Here at Montes Medical Group, we are passionate about helping elderly family members with their health and well-being. With an aging population, we understand the importance of providing specialized geriatric care that allows our aging patients to maintain a high quality of life and reduce health problems that can negatively impact their lives.
Elderly patients can face a range of conditions due to their advanced age, such as cardiovascular issues, bone and joint problems, and an increased risk of dementia. Fortunately, medical advances are helping healthcare providers address these problems with greater success, nudging survival rates ever higher.
Family members can also play a role in helping senior relatives live their best lives and stay as independent as possible as they get older. This can be done by nurturing a healthy environment at home and supporting seniors’ efforts to live a lifestyle that strengthens their mental and physical health over time.
So what are some great ways to help elderly family members age well and maintain good health? Keep reading to learn more!
Nurture a Safe & Healthy Home
Whether or not a senior relative lives with you, it is important to ensure that they have a safe and healthy environment at home. Experiencing accidents and falls can cause significant physical setbacks for elderly individuals. To reduce the likelihood of these accidents happening, ensure there are no tripping hazards around and build in good lighting throughout the home.
Ensure their furniture is comfortable and able to properly support their bodies when they are sitting or sleeping. If they are already experiencing mobility problems, consider getting equipment to make things easier, such as walkers or stair lifts. If they need help with household maintenance and chores, help them find service providers such as in-home caregivers, cleaners, plumbers, and electricians who can step in when needed.
If a loved one needs even more care, don’t be afraid to discuss options for professional care if necessary. This can include looking at assisted living facilities together or reviewing specialized medical care opportunities.
Prioritize Medical Checkups
Routine medical visits can help seniors detect health issues earlier and increase the likelihood of proper management and treatment by healthcare providers. Many elderly individuals can use help staying up to date with their annual exams, vision and dental checkups, vaccinations, and preventative health screenings. Family members can play a key role in supporting their senior relatives get to appointments in person or even via telehealth.
Elderly people may require more frequent doctor visits due to the risk factors associated with their age. Here at Montes Medical Group, our providers work with each patient on an individual basis to determine the number of checkups necessary. Follow-ups are also important in helping us properly monitor any issues our senior patients may be experiencing. Loved ones can also support seniors in managing their medication and ensure they are being taken correctly.
Encourage Movement & Good Nutrition
Staying strong and active is very important for seniors looking to maintain their quality of life and prevent unwanted health problems. Family members can help them do so by accompanying them to activities where they can participate in low-impact exercises such as walking and swimming. Group exercise classes are also wonderful for seniors as they add in a social component that is great for mental health. By staying active, seniors can protect their mobility levels, build stronger muscles, and reduce their risk of falls and aging-related health conditions.
Family members can also help seniors consume a well-balanced diet that provides them with the vitamins and minerals their bodies need. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods and consume different types of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Seniors also need to stay properly hydrated, so drinking lots of water is also a must. If cooking is difficult for your aging loved one, help them by meal prepping together or by hiring a caregiver to support their goals of eating nutritious meals.
Help Seniors Build Relationships
Unfortunately, the aging process can bring about increased levels of loneliness and isolation that can negatively impact a senior’s overall health. Family members can combat this by visiting them regularly, encouraging their participation in senior groups, and regularly scheduling video calls with family and friends.
If your loved one has particular hobbies or interests, help them find community events or organizations that can keep them mentally engaged and socializing with like-minded individuals. Ensuring that their mind is active can help prevent cognitive decline and boost happiness levels. Consider stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, board games or local volunteering opportunities.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many great ways to help elderly family members age well and maintain good health. Support their journey to stay active, socially engaged, and regularly engaged with healthcare providers. Doing so can help prevent age-related health problems and make it easier for seniors to enjoy their golden years with dignity, independence, and joy. If your loved one needs geriatric care, contact our team today to get started with the support your family needs.