According to the United States Census Bureau, people age 65 and older will make up over 18 percent of the population by the year 2030. We are living longer than ever before, but this does not come without its challenges.
It is no secret that as we get older, our bodies change. Once simple tasks like moving around, getting dressed, and bathing may be more challenging to accomplish. Due to aging, many Older Americans will require assistance with daily living. This can be difficult for your aging loved one to come to terms with and they may struggle to ask for help.
The protection of your senior loved one is important to you, and to us, which is why we want to share a few tips so you can help your senior loved one navigate daily activities.
1. Identify your senior loved one’s specific needs.
Every senior is different, and your senior loved one may only need help with specific tasks right now. Have an open conversation with your loved one and encourage them to share the daily tasks that he or she finds more challenging. Remember that these tasks may change over time. You may want to spend some time observing your loved one move around the house and perform daily tasks or arrange for a home assistance professional to monitor your loved one’s functionality levels.
2. Implement a daily routine for your senior loved one.
Simple daily routines can have a significant impact on the quality of your senior loved one’s life. Remember, as we age, our bodies may experience significant changes and the level of our functionality may become unpredictable. If your senior loved one’s life is unstructured every day, this can cause them unnecessary stress. Having a routine can reduce stress and increase the level of security your loved one feels navigating daily activities.
3. Recognize when it is time to seek outside help.
The decision to help your aging loved one move into a nursing home or assisted living facility can be a challenging, but sometimes necessary, step. Depending on your loved one’s health and level of functionality, a caregiver may be sufficient. If your loved one is regularly falling, has a health condition that is worsening, or is slow to recover from small illnesses, like a common cold, it may be time for your loved one to stop living alone.
We know that your senior loved one’s independence is important to you, but helping him or her perform daily tasks can improve his or her quality of life significantly. If you are ready to discuss planning for your senior loved one’s long-term care future, do not hesitate to contact our law firm to schedule a meeting with attorney Alan Hougum.
