Elder Care in Lafayette Hill PA

Mobility refers to a person’s ability to move in the world. Several factors can contribute to mobility problems; these include lack of balance, weakness, pain, joint dysfunction, and visual impairment along with mental disturbances. These can in turn lead to difficulty walking, getting up from chairs or a bed, trouble navigating into the shower or bath as well as going up or down stairs. Fear of falling can keep an otherwise social senior inactive. Helping your parent remain as mobile as possible is one of the biggest gifts you can share in helping them lead a happy, productive life as they age.

How to Help

• Determine the cause of the loss of mobility. To this end, ensure they are getting regular exams for their eyes and ears. Their primary care physician or physical therapist should be able to assist in determining the issue.
• Be aware of possible medication interactions and side-effects that can lead to symptoms that promote diminished mobility. Bring a list of all medications your parent is taking, including supplements and over-the-counter medications, to their pharmacist. They will be able to recommend changes in prescriptions or related doses that may help with dizziness.
• Ensure a safe environment by taking a good look at their home. Make sure all pathways are cleared of obstructions or tripping hazards. Clear any clutter. Install good sensor lighting in strategic locations. Place grab bars in areas such as the shower and by the toilet. Provide raised seating for toilet seats and chairs as needed.
• Promote strength and balance by encouraging exercise. This may include going out on daily walks or trips to the senior center or local Y for classes such as water aerobics, yoga or Tai chi. Check with their doctor before starting an exercise program and make sure they wear good, sturdy, non-slip walking shoes.
• Find activities that excite your parent and motivate them to go out into the world. These may include local programs and events geared for seniors that can be found at museums, gardens and other public places. Classes in computer, various crafts such as pottery, language, creative writing and nutrition are often offered at the local senor community center, along with evenings of shared meals.
• Obtain the services of an elder care provider. These professionals can accompany your parent on walks, provide transportation and companionship to social events and classes, and assist them should a mobility issue arise. They can provide assistance with the daily activities of living that may become difficult as your parent’s mobility declines.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Lafayette Hill, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today 610-200-6075.

Elder Care in Lafayette Hill PA

It doesn’t take much for a driver to encounter a serious driving condition—whether posed by another driver, or by weather conditions. As people age, handling those situations can become even more difficult. But knowing what to do in certain conditions can help make all the difference in the world. As a family caregiver, if you have noticed your aging parent’s driving isn’t as sharp as it used to be, or you just want to make extra certain they are safe when behind-the-wheel, the following are some good tips you can share with them:

• Take a cell phone when driving, even if the weather is good. Flat tires, for example, can occur no matter the weather. And weather can change in an instant. So having a way of communicating with the police, a tow company, or a family member, is always a good idea. Make sure the phone is completely charged or that they have a charger in their care.
• Have the car weatherized for the appropriate season. In summer, that means using a different weight oil than in winter months. But having tires and brakes checked, fluids checked and/or topped off, and wipers checked and/or replaced are the basics.
• Avoiding roadways, overpasses and bridges when they are wet (or icy in winter) is advisable. If possible in inclement weather, take a different route, or avoid driving altogether until conditions change.
• Go back to the basics learned when first starting to drive and know how to respond to a vehicle that skids or fishtails. Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go, is what you should advise your parent. But be careful not to over-correct, or they could develop a new problem.
• Have an emergency kit in the car that includes a first-aid kit, as well as a flashlight, booster cables, a blanket or two, and some bottled water and bagged food of fruits, nuts, or vegetables. There may come a time when your parent gets stuck for more than a short while, and if they have medical conditions where they need to eat or keep hydrated, having those things will feel like a godsend, especially if they’re traveling on a highway or in rural areas.
• Turn on headlights and wipers when the car is started. A good rule of thumb is, if the windshield wipers are needed, so are the lights.
• Make sure they allow themselves extra time to get to their destination and extra space around them—both in front and on the sides of their car. When possible, it’s a good idea to drive in the middle lane, as it lessens the chance of going off the road and the middle of roads is usually higher, so standing water, slush, etc., will likely not be there as it would be on the side of roads.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Lafayette Hill, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today 610-200-6075.

Sources:

http://www.comfortkeepers.com/home/info-center/aging-in-place/keeping-seniors-safe-during-inclement-weather#sthash.ahHdNGFN.dpuf

http://seniordriving.aaa.com/improve-your-driving-skills/driving-bad-weather/rain