Aging brings changes to the body that can impact how your parent functions and their ability to perform tasks in the same ways that they always have. Most people expect that as they get older they will experience changes, such as reduced vision, hearing loss, and even mobility issues. While these are changes that are to be expected, that does not mean that their impact on your parent should be minimized. As a family caregiver, it is important that you recognize the influence that new challenges and limitations can have on your parent and to take steps to help reduce this impact so that your parent can continue to enjoy the highest quality of life possible as they age in place.
Low vision is an extremely common element of getting older. Seniors may notice an increased need for vision devices such as glasses, reading glasses, or contacts, and notice that they’re having more difficulty with daily tasks. This can greatly diminish their quality of life, having a serious impact on their mental and emotional health and well-being throughout their later years. Recognizing this impact is an important step in addressing the changes and helping your parent to modify their daily life so that they can boost their quality of life, stay safe and healthy, and experience as much fulfillment and independence as possible.
Some ways that low vision can reduce your parents quality of life include:
- No longer being able to effectively participate in the activities that they once enjoyed, such as reading, needlework, doing puzzles, or detailed hobbies. Help to overcome this by encouraging your parents to use assistive devices such as magnifying glasses, increased lighting, and large print books.
- No longer being able to drive safely, which can make your parents feel as if they have lost their independence and are no longer in control of their life. Help to address this by encouraging your parent to utilize the transportation services of a home care provider. This enables them to do the things that they want, and need to do, on their own schedule.
- Experiencing falls and other injuries that can result in physical challenges and limitations, and the feeling that they are no longer safe in their own home. The services of a home care provider can also assist with this. This care provider can give your parent mobility assistance that helps them get around their home more safely, and also provide emotional support and companionship that can help them to overcome feelings of nervousness and anxiety and encourage a more active and engaged quality of life.
Starting home care for your aging parent can be an exceptional way to boost their quality of life, support better physical, mental, and emotional health, and encourage them to live a lifestyle that is active and fulfilling as they age in place. An in-home senior care services provider can be there with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your loved one is getting all of the care, support, and assistance that they need, while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence and engagement as possible throughout their later years. This can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs such as grooming and bathing, meal preparation, mobility assistance, and companionship. Knowing your parent has this type of care will ease your stress and allow you to focus your energy and attention more effectively and efficiently throughout your care journey.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Greer, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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