Americans are living longer today than ever before, and while a longer life expectancy is certainly something to celebrate, it is not without its challenges. According to the Alliance for Health Reform, 20 percent of seniors are living with 5 or more chronic conditions, seeing an average of 14 different physicians and using about 50 prescriptions every year.
As a result of aging, many seniors will eventually require some level of care and assistance with daily living, but they’ll find it difficult to ask for help. People value their independence and privacy, and they certainly don’t want to be a burden on their family and friends.
If you’re concerned your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily, it’s better to be proactive and ease into a transition of lifestyle. Trust your instincts. Share your concerns with your loved one in a respectful, non-threatening manner, and let them know your intent is to understand and respect his or her wishes while ensuring safety and comfort. Then, explore your options.
Often there are simple things you can do to provide assistance with daily living. You may consider hiring a home care agency, such as Caring Hearts, to provide assistance with daily activities a few days a week, or using medical alert systems, such as Direct Link’s Personal Emergency Response System and Automated Medication Dispenser.
To help you and your family to feel more comfortable and confident in your caregiving decisions, I suggest joining a community support group and networking with other families who are dealing with similar issues.
Often there are simple things you can do to provide assistance with daily living. You may consider hiring a home care agency, such as Caring Hearts, to provide assistance with daily activities a few days a week, or using medical alert systems, such as Direct Link’s Personal Emergency Response System and Automated Medication Dispenser.