What Are the Top Chronic Conditions Triggering a Need for Senior Care Services?

While many seniors want to remain healthy and active, it’s estimated that 8 out of 10 seniors have one chronic disease. Close to 80 percent have more than one chronic health disease. As much as they want to age at home, chronic health conditions can make it challenging to live alone. Here’s a list of the top chronic health conditions that trigger a need for senior care services.

Alzheimer’s Disease

More than 5 million men and women in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s. While help is rarely needed in the early stages, by the end of the moderate stages, seniors often have a hard time remembering to take medications. They often forget that something’s cooking. They don’t always remember their address and phone number.

When your mom or dad reaches those stages, supervision and assistance are essential to aging at home. Senior care services that help include meal preparation, transportation, and help with grooming.

Arthritis

Seniors can live well with arthritis. The pain, however, can make it hard to live completely independently. Joint pain can make it hard to carry a laundry basket down the stairs. It can be hard to chop fruits and vegetables for meals. Even personal care can be impacted by stiff joints.

Home care services that include help with meal preparation ensures seniors with arthritis eat well. Laundry and housekeeping services are also useful. Even grooming services can help with oral care and shaving.

Coronary Heart Disease

Each year, the CDC estimates that 370,000 people die from coronary heart disease. Diet and exercise are key to preventing heart disease. If your mom or dad has heart disease, they may be on prescription medications, too.

With a caregiver’s help, your parent will stick to a diet and complete daily exercises. Medication reminders are another important duty caregivers offer.

Depression

Mental Health America estimates that 2 million elderly men and women in the U.S. suffer from depression. Prescription medications are often used to help ease the symptoms. Getting fresh air is another way to battle the mental health condition.

Companionship is one of the vital services caregivers offer to seniors who are depressed. The caregiver working with your mom or dad can also help prepare meals, drive them to appointments, and remind them to take medications.

When your mom or dad’s health issues require some level of care at home, don’t delay. A senior care agency will work with you to find the best schedule and services. The goal is to make sure your parent has the necessary care while also being independent.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/healthy-aging-facts/

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Plainfield, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.