THE CARE YOU DESERVE©

With the warmer weather on its way, the arrival of spring is encouraging people to get out of the house, get to the stores, go to the parks, and do many other wonderful activities. When it comes to elder care, depending on the senior’s physical limitations as well as their abilities, there are some things to keep in mind.

Safety still needs to be first and foremost.

Just because the weather is warm, the snow is melting, and the air feels fresher, there will still likely be cold nights and coupled with melting snow, it can create black ice.

The senior should be encouraged to remain safe when walking around their property or anywhere else. They shouldn’t assume that any wet area is simply rainwater, especially when it is getting colder in the evenings.

It’s also a good idea to check any wheelchair ramps that may exist on the elderly individual’s property. Whether they rely on a walker, a wheelchair, or have no more ambulatory problems, that wheelchair could potentially be a concern now. Certain salts and other materials have the potential to corrode hinges, bolts, and other components that make up aluminum wheelchair ramps.

Encourage activity.

While you certainly want to make sure the senior is safe within his or her home, it’s also important to encourage them to get exercise and to be as active as possible. Being active could include visiting the local senior center to spend time with friends, taking a class at a continuing adult education facility, spending time walking around the neighborhood, visiting a park, going to an art gallery, and so much more.

A family member who is providing this type of care for their loved one may be more focused on improving security and safety rather than encouraging them to be active or even get exercise. In truth, exercise is important for people of all ages and is usually recommended by doctors. The senior should consult his or her primary care physician before taking on any new exercise regimen or potentially strenuous activity, but those activities could offer them many incredible benefits.

Now that the weather is finally turning warmer, people want to spend more time outdoors or at least away from the confines of their house. The same holds true for an elderly family member or other individual in your life who may feel cooped up from a long, seemingly endless winter.

If you have an aging loved one and are considering home health care services, contact Sphinx Home Health Care today