As we age, we work hard to keep our independence. Maintaining independence is not always easy. Bodies become frail and weakened from years of use. Our minds are packed with a lifetime of experiences and information, which causes our cognitive abilities to slow down. Illnesses and injury, whether temporary or chronic, seem to find us more often than others.
The good news is that the same drive that made us independent in the first place will drive us to maintain it as long as possible into and throughout our senior years. Whatever motivates you, staying at home can make the transition into senior years easier.
Chronic Illnesses and Injuries Affecting Seniors Today | Caregivers for Elders Vancouver
One of the challenges we face as we age is the diminishing ability to care for ourselves. This happens gradually at first. You may notice that bruises last longer and small cuts are not healing as fast. Many other issues, such as sight problems and back problems, become more pronounced as we get older. The most common illnesses that affect seniors include:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- Dementia
- Lung Disease
- Depression
Your family physician can assist you by checking for many of these conditions as well as any complications that may arise from them. It is also important to understand that decreased visual acuity and mobility that may result from these or other conditions related to aging can lead to injuries if the right precautions are not taken.
How to Prevent In-Home Injuries | Caregivers for Seniors Vancouver
Having a safe environment to live in is key to seniors maintaining their independence. Safe is a very broad term and can mean different things to different people. What is important is that understanding your health, your strengths, and your weaknesses, is the first step to staying in your own home and maintaining independence.
Falls
Falls are the leading causes of injuries among elders. Fall related injuries can range from a small cut (mild) to hip and pelvis fractures that require major surgeries to repair (severe).
A fall-related injury that leads to lengthy or complicated rehabilitation can significantly hinder an elder person’s independently. The recovery process following a severe fall can also lead to depression as well as a complete loss of physical and financial independence. That is why fall prevention is an important consideration:
- Add handrails and seats to showers and tubs.
- Place non-slip mats in some areas.
- Remove rugs to prevent tripping hazards.
- Safeguard furniture that causes tripping hazards.
- Avoid purchasing furniture with sharp edges or glass tops.
- Install an elevated toilet or toilet seat.
Burns
Burns are the second leading causes of injuries to the elderly. Individuals who have balance, vision, and memory problems are at high risk of accidentally burning themselves or causing a fire. There are also conditions such as peripheral neuropathy that can significantly increase the chances of a senior experiencing a severe burn. To prevent burns and the potential for a fire, consider the following:
- Install smoke and CO detectors throughout the home.
- Maintain well-lit rooms throughout the home.
- Set water heaters to a lower temperature
- Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Remove any objects (e.g., lighters) that may pose a fire hazard.
Ace Personnel | Professional Caregivers for Seniors and Homecare | Vancouver and Surrey
Ace Personnel is a family-owned and operated service founded in 1977 by Diane Anderson (“Mrs. A”). It began as a home-based business and has since been devoted to helping the local community with childcare and home care solutions. Mrs. A took great pride in the fact that she was able to help others through elderly care and nanny placements. She took time to get to know her each of her clients and as a result developed lasting relationships with many of them. Contact us today if you are looking for a professional caregiver or home care for your loved one.
