Although we might picture a Norman Rockwell-worthy Thanksgiving get-together, with the whole family enjoying quality time with one another and Grandma’s traditional food, the truth for many families involves something unanticipated: a visit to the hospital emergency room. Statistics reveal that emergency room visits for older adults jump an astounding 10% – 20% throughout the holidays.
Although pinpointing the precise reasons regarding this increase is hard, it isn’t surprising that one component may be loved ones who haven’t spent time with an elderly relative in the months ahead of the holidays, visit only to learn then that his or her condition has deteriorated.
Dr. Tamara Kuittinen of Lenox Hill Hospital explains, “It’s an issue of out of sight, out of mind for many people. If you haven’t seen your mom in six months, you may not be fully aware of the aging process and her health in general.”
There are numerous proactive steps that families may take in order to prevent a holiday emergency situation:
- Document essential contact information for the senior’s primary care physician as well as other specialists. Include all medications prescribed by each doctor and any drug allergies or other issues. Getting in touch with the right physician for recommendations regarding your worries is a great first step over an emergency room visit, except if your senior loved one is experiencing a real emergency.
- Speak to your loved one about assigning a health care proxy, who’s able to act as a voice for making healthcare decisions in the event that the older adult is unable to do this. Make sure a living will is also set up.
- Check in with the senior often throughout the year. For families who live at a distance, it can be beneficial to engage the help of your loved one’s neighbors or friends to visit the senior consistently and to keep you up to date with any differences they observe.
An experienced in-home care agency, like Independence-4 Seniors Home Care, is the ideal year-round solution to make sure seniors stay healthy and well, and that any variations in circumstances are resolved as soon as possible – making sure the holiday season stays as festive and pleasurable as it ought to be. Just some of the various ways we are able to assist are:
- Planning and cooking healthy, appetizing meals, in compliance with any nutritional constraints
- Providing accompanied transportation to doctor appointments and procedures, exercise programs, and fun excursions
- Examining the home for fall risks and recommending modifications to ensure safety
- Helping with safe ambulation and transfers
- Personal care including bathing, showering, and using the restroom
- And much more, based upon each person’s unique needs
Contact Independence-4 Seniors Home Care or call us at (630) 323-4665 to request a free in-home consultation to find out more ways that we can help enhance safety and overall well-being for your senior loved one.