In 2024, societies across the world have what is known as an aging population.
The percentage of people living past the age of 60 is at its highest level since records began, which means more families are looking after their senior family members at home, and overseeing their daily routines.
However, as is the way with many older people, this is not as simple as it sounds. Old age can bring issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis, which means that many younger family members must make the tough call of when it may be time for their older relative to get some extra support.
In this article, you will be walked through some of the signs to look for that it may be time for your senior member to move into a care home or supported living facility.
They Are Finding it Harder To Clean Themselves
Hygiene is important, for both physical and mental wellbeing.
As a person get older, due to limited mobility and conditions such as arthritis, they may find it harder to wash or clean themselves. The result is poor hygiene, which can cause an older person to feel ashamed, or to become withdrawn.
One benefit of moving to St Peters care homes in Bury St Edmunds is that they will get all the support they need with cleaning themselves, which will help them to both look and feel better.
They Aren’t Eating Properly
In many cases, an older person may decide to eat microwave meals, solely because it may be too difficult for them to chop vegetables or other hard foods to make home-cooked food. Or, they may have Alzheimer’s disease and may forget to eat.
Either way, at a care home, all residents will get access to 3 healthy, cooked meals per day, and the medical team on site will explore any refusal to eat food.
They Keep Missing Medications
A lot of older people take a lot of medications, usually to manage arthritis, kidney issues, and diabetes. However, if you pair multiple medications with a neurodegenerative condition, they may keep forgetting to take their medications, which can have a detrimental effect on their health.
In care homes, the nursing and support staff oversee the medication aspect of each resident’s care so they will be able to maintain good health with medical assistance for longer.
Money Issues Are Worsening
An older loved one may be struggling to keep track of their money, or they may be forgetting to pay the bills. This can impact their living situation and cause undue stress. Most care homes will be able to oversee the financial care of their residents, taking the stress out of everyday living for those that they care for.
They Keep Having Falls
Lastly, it is common for older people to have falls. They are human, after all! However, if your elderly loved one keeps having falls at home, this can signal that they need additional care and support to get around safely. In care homes, staircases are limited. There are staff to help older people get around with ease, and, of course, there is lots of mobility equipment, such as Zimmer frames, wheelchairs, and walking sticks.
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