Navigating changing healthcare needs of elderly relatives and loved ones

As our loved one’s age and individual circumstances change, there could potentially be unique and challenging healthcare needs that you may need to navigate. But it need not be challenging to have conversations if dealt with honestly, sincerely, and with compassion. So we’re going to look at some of the more common issues that you may need to face as your loved ones grow older.

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional, “as said by Carroll Bryant.

A lovely sentiment; however, the truth is that Americans are living longer than ever before, posing significant challenges to the overall healthcare system and Medicare. 

Currently, the mandatory age for signing up is 65, but American adults live well into their 80s and 90s. Even beyond, average American families are faced with new circumstances that perhaps they never planned for or even had to think about before.

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is the #1 condition that Americans 65 years of age and older confront during their lifetimes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 49.7% of Americans over 65 years of age will suffer from some forth of arthritis, and depending on the severity of the condition, this could lead to a drastically reduced quality of life.  

Even though arthritis can tempt a sufferer into being less active, you and your loved one must work with your doctor to work out a healthy and active regime that will keep fitness levels high and mobility fluid.

HEART DISEASE

Once again, the CDC says that heart disease remains the biggest killer of American adults over 65 years of age, and it is largely unnecessary. You can help your elderly relatives maintain a healthy lifestyle by assisting them in moving towards more balanced and heart-positive diets. It could be turned into some “bonding time,” sharing cooking responsibilities and diner parties.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

According to the CDC, this terrible disease claimed over 90 000 lives in 2014 and will affect around 11% of American adults aged 65 and over. There is no easy way around this, and you will need specialist and compassionate care and support, along with the whole family’s involvement.

FALLS

2.5 Million falls affect the elderly in the United States every year, and it’s a significant health and safety hazard to those who live alone or even in assisted living situations. We all want to keep our loved ones as independent and self-sufficient as possible, so when it comes to dealing with injuries caused by falls or sport or activity accidents, you might have been thinking about occupational therapy at home. Whatever action plan you take, involve your relatives in the decision-making process so that they take ownership of what’s happening around them – they’re just aging, not infants.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

To some people, this may seem surprising. Still, the problem is getting worse, and it’s been spurred on by factors such as loneliness, depression after a death or separation, a lack of meaning, or a general feeling of senselessness.

You can help counteract this by keeping your loved ones as involved in your and your children’s lives as much as possible, keep their part of the decision-making process when it comes to vacation planning or the holidays. Being retired doesn’t mean you no longer have anything to offer. The contrary is more accurate, and companies are starting to wake up to this fact.  So if you have a loved one who is still active and fit and could still offer to consult or ad hoc services, encourage them to do so.

Photo by Pixabay