Given the isolated and rather strange state of the world right now, a lot of us are thinking about checking in with those we might not have gotten in touch with in a while. Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve really considered the wellbeing of an aging loved one who lives alone? If so, here are a few points of concern to keep an eye out on, and what you might be able to do to help. These are some of the health risks you can help them address.
Access to care
Your loved one might have a few complaints and while you can offer a listening ear and aim to help, you aren’t a doctor. Helping them make appointments and attend them can be just what they need if they have trouble seeing the doctor. Otherwise, it might be worth encouraging them to make an appointment for their annual checkup.
Chronic illness
As we get older, we get more susceptible to chronic health issues of all kinds, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and so on. While helping your loved one get access to the care that they need is important in diagnosing any issues, you can help implement healthy changes in their lifestyle, such as joining them for healthy meals or even doing light exercises with them.
Loss of independence
Physical changes happen to us all as we get older. Our range of motion, physical strength, and balance can start to decrease, meaning that living alone can become more difficult and even dangerous. It may be time to look at options such as senior assistance and respite care if that’s the case. These services can ensure your loved one remains in their own home, but that they get the help they might need in having their basic needs met.
Changes to senses
A couple of issues older people are much more prone to as they get older is vision loss and hearing loss. Cataracts and age-related hearing loss are both very common in people over the age of 65. They might not exactly go deaf or blind, but they could be living with a much higher quality of life if they get the glasses or hearing aids they might need. Talk with them about making an appointment for a hearing test and a glass fitting in the near future.
Isolation
Isolation and loneliness are just as threatening to older people as heart disease, studies have found out. Isolation can increase not only the chances of stress and depression, but also cognitive decline issues like dementia, and can genuinely increase the chance of death. Above all else, it’s important to make sure that your loved one has someone to talk to and companionship. You can also help them find activity groups for older people in your area, so they can spend time with peers, too.
Of course, no-one needs to be treated as helpless, so while you’re aiming to help, ensure that you’re being respectful. Ask them about their issues and suggest potential options, but don’t try to take care of their health.
Medical negligence risks
Older people also need to be ready for the medical risks they face. Most interventions are not life threatening, but they don’t always go to plan.
It’s a good idea to get insurance to cover any negligence. It’s also sensible to go to a medical malpractice attorney in the event that something goes wrong. Older people are often able to claim money for damage done to their bodies, helping to fund their recovery.
Image by Marco Massimo from Pixabay
