Senior care is a specialized field requiring caregivers, nurses, and doctors to know the specific wellness issues that may arise for seniors. Persons over the age of 65 are usually considered to be senior. And once they reach this age, or sometimes even before this age, their care may need to be adapted.
Physical, mental, social, and other aspects of their lives could change dramatically, and being prepared for these changes should be on the top of the priority list. Being ready for the coming adjustments could make seniors and their care team more comfortable knowing what to expect.
To be prepared, all aspects of senior wellness will have to be considered like the things mentioned here:
1. Physical Aspect
Some bodily functions may not work as well as they did when seniors were younger, and accommodations will have to be made for this. Some of the main functions that tend to affect the wellness of the senior are decreased muscle strength, bladder weakness, diminished eyesight, and hearing issues. For the physical aspects of wellness, regular check-ups at a medical professional would be a good option. Doctors can assess their wellness and diagnose or recommend the best aged care option.
With physical wellness deteriorating as people age, it may be necessary to implement safety rules and create a safer home environment for seniors. They may need assistance with getting around the home by using aids like walkers, glasses, hearing aids, or other specialized equipment designed to make their lives easier and ultimately safer. Tips and help resources for the Elderly.
2. Mental Aspect
Some seniors may develop mental illnesses or diminished mental capacity. This would have to be factored into their care as well.
Loss of memory and slight depression or anxiety could be common. For this reason, the seniors may forget to take medication and feel isolated or nervous about changes around them. Seniors would need more support for the mental aspect of their wellness and ongoing monitoring or check-ins, especially if they’re still living on their own.
Should more serious mental disorders or conditions be present, it may be necessary to provide more specialized care in the form of a care home or full-time, live-in caregiver.
3. Social Aspect
With deteriorating physical abilities and possible mental health concerns, the social aspect of a senior’s wellness may be affected. They can’t go out and socialize like their younger counterparts, which may further cause wellness issues. Humans are social beings and need interaction with other humans to feel safe and grounded. Having regular visits from loved ones or friends could assist a senior greatly in upholding the social aspect of their wellness. Feelings of loneliness are some of the top concerns among senior care.
If it’s no longer possible for them to move around or go on a visit or an outing, other steps need to be taken so this part of their wellness isn’t neglected. Seniors still have the need to feel connected to others, and assisting them with this fundamental need would make a big difference for their social wellness.
4. Lifestyle Aspect
To support physical, mental, and social aspects of wellness, it may be needed to look at the lifestyle aspect of the senior’s wellness. Healthy lifestyle choices may include diet changes, stopping nicotine and alcohol use, and exercise.
Chewing may become a strained activity, with many seniors opting for softer foods that are easier to chew and digest. Along with the food texture, another consideration would be adding more nutrient-rich foods to their diet to support their overall wellness. These nutrients could be in the form of vitamin and mineral-rich foods, or they could be in the form of supplements.
Nicotine and alcohol could damage already aging organs like the lungs and liver. It’d be best for seniors to cut these from their lifestyles to assist wellness completely.
Exercise keeps the body and organs healthy. Muscles gain strength, the brain and other body tissues receive more oxygen, and blood circulation improves. There may be mobility issues with seniors, and keeping that in mind, a regular exercise routine could be designed specifically for them.
Conclusion
Looking after a senior person may have some challenges, but these could all be overcome by considering all aspects of their wellness.
Ensure that seniors are comfortable, safe, and have enough support daily. A medical doctor could advise on how certain changes can be implemented to assist with their wellness regularly, so don’t hesitate to contact the local general practitioner for more tips and advice. Seniors are at the twilight of their lives, and keeping their wellness in peak condition should be a priority.