The weather is changing, and the shift in seasons means the holidays are coming! From fall festivals to winter celebrations, families will gather to enjoy time together. It’s usually a joyous occasion, but many discover during these gatherings that a Senior loved one is struggling. There may be signs of trouble or just a general sense that life has become harder, and it’s the right time to check in and be prepared to help.
Supporting Declining Health
As your family gathers, maybe you notice a beloved senior who repeats questions several times in a conversation or struggles to breathe when they walk; what happens if you notice symptoms in a senior who shows difficulty with mobility, cognition, or breathing? When you see signs of a health problem that is not acute nor requires immediate attention but one that is on-going and prohibits your loved one from living alone safely, it’s time to intervene. Work with a caring home agency to give them information and develop a plan to respectfully and sensitively address their chronic health symptoms. Share information so they can choose to safely continue senior independent living.
Onsite Medical Care
After a holiday dinner, you might find yourself talking with a loved one who describes their physical ailments and wishes they had more relief. Do they know that they don’t have to suffer but could receive onsite and ongoing medical care right where they live? What if they could enjoy their lifestyle while there was a facility next door to care for their medical needs? It might be a good opportunity for a conversation to enlighten them about senior housing where medical care exists onsite.
Giving Them Peace Of Mind
For seniors who might need help but are afraid of the unknown, how can you help them face their fears? It starts with breaking down the barrier with an idea about their options. A caring at home care agency could ease their mind and discomforts. Let them know that there are places where they could still maintain their own space but receive access to health care. You will not only address their anxiety about the unknown but set the stage to finding appropriate elder care services.
Finding A Secure Place
Many seniors who would benefit from assisted living are unaware of the lifestyle they could have as a resident. What can you explain about their potential new lifestyle? Most seniors are reassured to learn that they can receive elder care services and take classes, get hair styling appointments, enjoy entertainment, and more, and painting this picture helps them see a more comfortable future. If they think of retirement living as a place to continue their activities and interests and get access to the health care they may need, the idea builds a sense of security about the future instead of one defined by fearing the loss of a lifestyle they enjoy.
Being Prepared To Help
Transitioning to assisted care offers an older loved one the opportunity to continue to live independently but safely on their own. However, many older adults who would benefit from senior assisted living feel reluctant to transition. They may need the help and support of a loved one to guide them, and so it’s good to know their options for continuing senior independent living.
Contact Good Shepherd Home to learn more about the types of information to share with loved ones who should know about senior independent living.