Your elderly loved one is not alone in the desire to remain in her home as she gets older. Many seniors want to age in place so that they can remain independent and enjoy the comforts and familiarity of their home rather than be required to move to an unknown location and live among strangers. When the family is nearby, this is often an easier task as family can help with tasks or responsibilities if your loved one has areas she struggles with. But when your loved one lives far away from family and has multiple medical conditions, you might wonder if it’s still possible for her to age in place as she desires.
Medical Conditions That Can Make Living Alone Difficult for an Elderly Person
While numerous medical conditions might make your loved one struggle to remain independent in her own home, keep in mind that some of these obstacles will not be a problem for some, and other older individuals may have obstacles that aren’t listed. These are just some of the more common medical conditions that can make living alone in a home difficult without the support of family or a home care provider.
Conditions that lead to physical limitations. Back problems that prevent lifting, arthritis that reduces the ability to grasp items or use kitchen appliances safely, knee injuries that restrict stair usage, and eye problems that restrict sight can all make certain everyday activities difficult if not impossible.
Conditions that need special monitoring or management. Diabetes that requires routine blood sugar level testing or a heart condition that requires a special diet might create responsibilities that your loved one struggles to keep up with.
Cognitive issues that lead to forgetfulness or confusion. The early stages of dementia might make it unsafe for your loved one to stay in her home if she doesn’t have someone to help her with some daily living activities.
Emotional and mental health concerns for an elderly person who might be feeling especially lonely or isolated by remaining in her home without family or friends nearby.
Getting Help at Home
While many of these medical conditions might limit the chance for your loved one to continue to live at home successfully, they don’t have to make it impossible. Organizations that provide home care services can step in and help your loved one continue her dream of aging in place, even when she has medical conditions that might make some aspects of her day difficult to manage on her own.
Some areas where a home care provider can step in and assist include:
Chores at home such as laundry, washing dishes, cleaning floors, and many others. If there are areas of keeping your loved one’s home clean and safe that she cannot do anymore, a home care team can help her with those areas so her home stays neat, clean, and safe.
Meal preparation. If your loved one struggles to create healthy meals because of physical or cognitive limitations, a home care provider can step in and help her with shopping and meal preparation.
Personal care. Physical limitations may make it difficult for your elderly loved one to shave, take care of her feet, or wash her hair. A home care provider can step in and help her look and feel her best.
Medical conditions may impose limitations, but they don’t have to take away your loved one’s dream.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Medical Conditions Services in Catasauqua, PA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Extended Family Care Allentown today. Call 610-432-6766
Extended Family Care Allentown is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Allentown, Pennsylvania, including Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Macungie, Whitehall, Schnecksville, Catasauqua, Northampton, and Nazareth.
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