One of the most common and frustrating issues family members of older loved ones face is their resistance to accepting care in the home. It is the epic battle between safety and autonomy, and every day, it plays out across America in different communities in different ways.
If the person you care for has generally good balance and needs just minimal support for getting around, a rollator (walker with wheels and brakes) might be preferable to a standard walker. Rollators enable a more normal, fluid stride. The features to consider start with size, weight, and foldability.
The ability to handle one’s own financial affairs is critical to adult independence. Low vision challenges this freedom.
Fortunately, most banks are prepared to assist clients, whether banking online or in person. Online, your loved one can adjust the bank’s website for large print.
Has your loved one ever flatly rejected your perfectly sensible solution to their problem?
Though your idea may seem like the obvious route to take, it’s not so simple when you’re caring for an older adult. Your relative has had a lifetime of making decisions on their own.
When your loved one is hospitalized, getting word of discharge “soon” can be heartening: Yay! Improvement! And it also can be distressing. Many aspects of care may drop into your hands. Mobility, incontinence, wound care, oxygen…. And you may not have the needed help lined up.
Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system doesn’t shut down properly. Instead, it attacks the body. This can last for months, even years. It’s like a persistent internal war. It puts the body under tremendous stress. There is growing evidence that chronic inflammation is involved with a number of problems common in aging.
When we are sad, often the best medicine is to talk with someone. If you are the person listening, you may find it challenging to witness your loved one’s sadness as they struggle with the losses inherent to illness and aging.
Is mom considering an herb-based remedy? If so, she joins 24% of American adults who report using herbal medicines, supplements, or teas. Fifteen percent turn to chiropractors, while 9% use acupuncture and 6% use homeopathy.
You probably have heard individual success stories.
Imagine your mom has fallen for the third time this year. To you, it’s obvious she needs more support, perhaps home care. Your sister thinks mom should come live with her in another state. Mom’s finances are slim and she doesn’t want to leave her home.