Who wants to think about their parents aging and needing help?
No one does. But, ignoring it won’t stop it from happening. Instead of delaying tough talks and decision making, families should have an open discussion about the care their parents may already need but be afraid to admit is necessary.

To have this discussion, you should look at four facts about older Americans. If any of this is true for your mom or dad, it’s time to arrange home care services.

-Three Out of Four Americans Aged 65 or Older Have More Than One Chronic Condition

Chronic conditions range from high blood pressure to arthritis. Out of every four senior citizens, three have two or more chronic conditions. These health issues often require prescription medications and changes to diet and exercise routines. For a senior citizen, it can be a lot to manage alone.

-Malnutrition is a Concern in the Aged

According to Aging Research, around 3.7 million American elderly suffer from malnutrition. Health issues may prevent a senior from eating healthy meals. A senior citizen with arthritis may struggle to prepare meals due to the pain when holding knives and other kitchen tools. A full pot can be too heavy to lift off a burner. Limited finances, lack of transportation to reach stores, and medication side effects are other causes.

-Around 5.7 Million Americans Already Have Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is terrifying. The number of cases is expected to double by 2050. It is a fatal disease, and medications do little more than slow the symptoms. Once diagnosed, most people have less than one decade of life left.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the things a senior cannot manage requires live-in assistance. Memory loss is just the start. A person with Alzheimer’s will lose bladder and bowel control, the ability to swallow, and eventually be unable to handle any personal care on his or her own.

–Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury in Those 65 or Older

The National Council on Aging reports that 25 percent of Americans aged 65 or older falls at least once in a year. Those falls are a leading cause of injuries, including fatal injuries. Fall prevention is essential for every senior. Exercises that strengthen muscles and help with balance are important, but so is home designs that lower the fall risk.

How do you arrange home care for your parents? It’s easy. Pick up the phone and call a home care professional. That expert will go over everything you need to know.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care Services in Cumming, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources:
Alz.org
Cdc.gov
Ncoa.org
Agingresearch.org

• Author
• Recent Posts

Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

Latest posts by Valerie Darling (see all)

• 7 Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024
• Home Care Matters Proudly Announces Partnership with The Community Care Network - November 15, 2024
• Five Tips to Help Your Loved One Keep Baking - November 8, 2024