Tackling Health Challenges

Incontinence can occur for many reasons, with age, health conditions, and medication all potentially playing a role. Sometimes a change in behavior or medication is enough to stop the problem, while other times seniors and caregivers must focus on responding to accidents instead.

Depression and anxiety are both common in seniors. Living a lonely life and having few activities can easily worsen these conditions. It’s important to talk to a doctor if you think the senior may be suffering in this way, as doing so will help you find the best ways to help them.

Conditions like these can develop in the senior’s later years or they may have been present for much longer. Other mental illnesses are possible too, including bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and narcissism. Some of these conditions make providing care difficult, especially for adult children.

Dementia care is difficult, both emotionally and practically. There are many possible challenges, including loved ones who no longer recognize you, who see conspiracies everywhere, who can no longer understand logic, or are getting regularly confused between the past and the present.

You may be able to care for a dementia patient at home for some time – and many families do. However, this isn’t a long-term solution. Most seniors will get to a stage where they can’t safely be supported at home.

Mobility often gets more difficult with age. For example, some seniors struggle to stand for more than a few minutes at a time, while others may be unable to walk long distances. Others may be able to walk but cannot safely drive.

Tools like canes, walkers, and raised chairs can make mobility easier. Transportation services are highly relevant as well.