Aging brings with it many challenges, but none more complex and overwhelming than elder care concerns. Choosing an elder care service is a big deal whether it’s for a loved one or yourself. Prevent and avoid potential pitfalls by learning what the most common problems are, and how to deal with them. Following are five major areas of concern and ways to address them.
Isolation
One of the biggest elder care concerns people can experience is isolation and loneliness. This is an issue that most often arises as a result of physical limitations. However, less interaction with friends, family, and the community at large can lead to painful loneliness.
One way to deal with this is to provide transportation so that your loved one can do some of the things they enjoy doing. Another option would be to help them sign up for regular activities such as those sponsored by the local community center. This provides the perfect opportunity for social interaction and the opportunity to look forward to an enjoyable activity.
You might also want to teach your isolated relative how to use video chat and skype to help them stay in contact with loved ones, even when they aren’t able to leave the house. In some cases just having someone to talk to can make all the difference and help banish isolation and loneliness.
Abuse is a Serious Elder Care Concern
Sadly, some people are subjected to abuse from the very people that are meant to be care for them. In some cases, the abuse takes the form of neglect and may include situations where patients needs are neglected. Examples of abuse include leaving an individual in bed for extended periods, or not washing or toileting them as needed. Improper care may lead to preventable falls.
If you suspect abuse the first thing you must do is identify what is going on. Once you have ascertained the specifics, you can take your case both to the management of the facility and to your local nursing home abuse attorneys, who will advise you on the necessary next steps. In addition, a good nursing home abuse attorney can help prosecute your case if necessary to make sure it never happens again.
Theft
Unfortunately, one of the most common eldercare concerns is the theft of personal property. Sadly, this can be an issue both in care centers and homes, as well as situations where care is provided in the home.
In a small percentage of cases, people have been found to take advantage of older people’s limitations including their reduced mobility, eyesight, and hearing to steal valuable items such as cash and jewelry from them.
The good news is there are several tactics you can use to prevent this from happening. First, use a safe and only give trusted people access to. Keep all of the individual’s valuables in the safe. You may wish to use a safety deposit box at a bank for more security. Another option is to install CCTV cameras in the home or room of your elderly relative. The presence of the cameras may act as a deterrent, or catch anyone doing anything nefarious.
The last option is to remove all valuable items, so no one can gain access to them. This is not usually ideal as it limits the elderly individual’s access to their personal items and further limits their feeling of control over their lives.
Autonomy
Prominent among the major elder care concerns is the lack of agency and autonomy that many older people feel when it comes to their care choices and their day-to-day life.
When a relative makes all the decisions, the individual may begin to feel like they have little say in or control over where and how they live. The best way to avoid this is to always include your loved one in any discussion about their care. Invite them into the decision-making process as much as possible. Listen to their wants and need. Do what you can to meet their needs. Elder care isn’t just about physical care, but about helping to create a comfortable life.
