In Ontario, June is Seniors’ Month. This annual event celebrates seniors in the province, and this year’s theme is “Live Your Best Life.” Seniors’ Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the health and well-being issues facing the province’s seniors. If your parents are seniors, it’s important to be aware of these issues. Here are some of the common health and wellbeing problems to be aware of this Seniors’ Month.
Dementia
Are you familiar with the 10 early signs of dementia? Seniors’ Month is a good opportunity to learn. Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting important dates or asking the same questions over and over, are important early signs. Getting confused about time or place, regularly forgetting words, or trouble reading can also be warning signs to monitor.
If you suspect a parent or loved one has dementia, take them to a doctor for an evaluation. There is lots of help available for seniors with dementia, which will enable them to live independently for as long as possible. Senior Home Care companies and their trained caregivers can provide a customized care plan for seniors with dementia. Seniors are encouraged to do as much as they can on their own, and get help with what they need.
Stroke
Stroke is another big health concern for seniors. Seniors’ Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the warning signs of strokes. For example, sudden numbness and weakness, sudden confusion, and sudden dizziness can all be warning signs. Make sure you and your parents are aware of what to watch out for.
More than half of stroke survivors over 65 experience mobility issues afterwards. With help from caregivers, they may still be able to live independently. Caregivers can help with tasks like personal care, household care, or transportation.
Loneliness
You may not think of loneliness as a well-being issue, but it is. Lonely seniors have a higher risk of mental and physical decline, and a higher risk of death. With 43 percent of seniors reporting regular loneliness, this is a huge epidemic.
Even if you visit your parents every day, they can still experience loneliness. Fortunately, there are services to help keep your parents company when you’re not able to be with them. Companionship care services can be especially valuable for lonely seniors. With this care, a friendly caregiver will come to your loved one’s house every day to chat, play games or run errands.
Falls
Falls are very dangerous for seniors, even falls that seem minor. The most common falls among seniors are ground-level falls, which means they fall when they’re standing on level ground. These short falls may seem minor, but they can lead to serious injuries like broken hips or traumatic brain injuries.
This Seniors’ Month, take steps to protect your parents from falls. You can remove clutter or insert rugs for traction to create a safer environment. You can also install grab bars in places like the bathroom or other slippery areas. If your parents are having trouble sitting down or standing up, a home caregiver can help them move around safely.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition that’s very common among elderly people. Half of all people over 65 have arthritis. This chronic condition can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints, and these symptoms can make daily life difficult.
Seniors with arthritis can have trouble taking care of their daily tasks. For example, people with arthritis in their hands could have trouble doing things like brushing their hair or teeth. They could also have trouble cleaning or cooking. Arthritis in other joints can make it harder to get around or to look after a house. If your parents develop arthritis, they could need in-home health care to remain independent.
