Today, many people live busy lives that leave little time for socialization. However, the one person you should be visiting regularly is your aging loved one. During your regular visits, you both can enjoy many benefits that enhance your relationship as well as your loved one’s health. Here are a few reasons you should visit your loved one often.
Keep an Eye Out for Changes in Your Loved One’s Health
In the senior years, a person’s health can change in the blink of an eye. However, many health conditions also develop gradually, which gives you time to help your loved one take care of issues before they get worse. During your regular visits, watch for signs of decreasing health, such as changes in how your loved one looks, walks, or talks. For example, a senior who suddenly seems disoriented needs medical attention to find out the underlying cause.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Watch Out for Common Scams
Thieves and scammers are adept at finding out which seniors live alone. Your loved one should have regular visitors to deter criminal activity, and you can make it clear to other people that your loved one has someone who cares enough to protect him or her from scams. You can also look for signs of elderly financial abuse during your time at your loved one’s home. Watch for multiple calls from telemarketers or strangers asking for gifts from your loved one.
Prevent Injuries at Home
Seniors should be safest when at home. However, they could slip and fall over something as minor as a turned-up corner of a rug. Walk through your loved one’s house every time you visit to look for potential hazards that threaten his or her health, then correct the issues. From installing grab bars in the bathroom to making sure someone checks on your loved one’s medication schedule, you can identify many ways to increase safety around the house.
If you worry about your loved one’s safety as he or she ages in place, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Rhode Island respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Help Your Loved One Stay Emotionally Healthy
Even a short visit gives your loved one a boost of endorphins that can prevent depression. Having you stop by often may be enough to help your loved one through the rough days when he or she feels the effects of isolation. While regular visits from you are essential, you must also keep in mind your loved one depends on you for a chance to socialize. Consider having a backup plan for times when your schedule won’t allow a visit. For instance, a lunch date with a professional caregiver could be an option for those gaps between your visits.
Create Happy Family Memories
Some of the best family memories happen during the simplest moments. You never know what each visit with your loved one will bring, and you’ll one day look back and smile when you remember a silly joke your loved one shared or how he or she taught you a new skill. Your loved one also benefits from making special memories with you that can be cherished as a reminder of how much he or she is loved.
Frequent visits and care assure your loved one that he or she is an important part of your life. If you’re unable to visit your aging loved one often, consider hiring a professional caregiver. When searching for reliable Rhode Island elder care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (401) 284-0979 today.