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Month: October 2024

How to Help Seniors Aging in Place Feel Safer at Night

Posted on by ltcep2023

Aging in place is a popular choice among seniors due to the comfort and familiarity it provides. However, it can also raise a number of concerns, including safety at night. Thankfully, with the right supports in place as well as assistance from elder care, seniors can take steps toward feeling secure in their own homes so they can continue to be independent.

Improve Home Security

Enhancing home security is one of the most effective ways to improve seniors’ nighttime safety. Modern security technologies are accessible and can be tailored to any home. Some of the strategies that seniors and their family members might consider include the following:

  • Smart Locks: Replace traditional door locks with smart locks that enable keyless entry. This reduces the likelihood of seniors misplacing keys or fumbling with locks late at night.
  • Alarm Systems: Consider installing a security alarm system that will notify authorities if a door or window is tampered with. Some systems include panic buttons, which seniors can easily access in an emergency.
  • Video Doorbells: With these devices, seniors can see who is at their door without having to open it. The ability to monitor visitors can provide peace of mind, especially if unexpected visitors arrive at unusual hours. Elder care can work with seniors during the daytime hours to get them used to how these devices work.
  • Exterior Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around the home’s perimeter. Well-lit areas deter potential intruders and help seniors avoid tripping while walking outside after dark.

Establish a Nighttime Routine

While it’s important to not add to their fears, having a consistent nighttime routine can help seniors feel more secure and settled before bedtime. Some of the things they might incorporate into their routine include:

  • Securing Locks and Doors: Check and lock all doors and windows before going to bed. Some seniors may find it useful to use a checklist to ensure that everything is complete. Elder care can help them create this list as well as update it regularly.
  • Create a Bedside Emergency Plan: Seniors should keep essential items on their bedside table, such as glasses, a flashlight, a phone, and any medications within arm’s reach. Having these items on hand can help to reduce stress during the night.
  • Use a Personal Alert System: A wearable device, such as a medical alert bracelet or necklace, lets seniors call for assistance if they fall or experience another emergency during the night.

Improve Indoor Lighting

Navigating through a dimly lit house can be difficult for seniors, raising the risk of falling. Elder care and family members can go through the home, noting where lights need to be added, such as in hallways, on stairways, and in bathrooms and bedrooms. Motion-sensor lights inside the home are also an excellent option, since they automatically turn on when seniors move about.

Stay Connected

Staying in touch with family or neighbors can give seniors who live alone a sense of security. Family members can schedule regular check-ins or use video calls to connect each night or arrange for neighbors to check in on seniors. Additionally, families may consider installing monitoring systems that allow them to check on loved ones remotely while respecting their privacy.

Helping seniors feel safer at night while aging in place requires a combination of practical measures and emotional support. Loved ones and elder care can work together to ensure that seniors enjoy their independence while remaining safe by incorporating some of the tips above.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/home-safety-older-adults/
https://www.frontpointsecurity.com/blog/tips-for-senior-safety-when-aging-in-place
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/aging-in-place-checklist.html

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How Can Alzheimer’s Disease Affect Your Mom’s Personality?

Posted on by ltcep2023

If your mom has Alzheimer’s, you may notice some changes in her personality as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s can affect seniors in many different ways because of the way that it affects the brain. Even though this is a normal symptom of the disease, it can be very difficult to process. If you’re taking care of your mom and you are starting to feel overwhelmed or burned out by the demands of caregiving, Alzheimer’s care at home can help.

Alzheimer’s care at home is specialty care for seniors with Alzheimer’s that live in their own homes. When your mom has Alzheimer’s care at home you can take the time off that you need to process your own emotions knowing that your mom is safe and comfortable.

Some seniors don’t experience any personality changes. But personality changes like these are possible in any senior that has Alzheimer’s:

Increased Irritability or Anger

One of the most common personality changes that you might notice is that your mom becomes more irritable or quick to anger. She may get upset over things that never bothered her before. Simple things, like trying to find her phone or remembering how to turn on the TV, might lead to frustration.

This is because she may be aware that something isn’t right, and it’s frustrating for her. Her memory and thinking skills are declining, and this can make her feel lost or out of control, causing sudden bursts of anger. Put yourself in her shoes and imagine how frustrating it would be to experience those changes.

Anxiety or Fearfulness

Your mom may also start to feel more anxious or fearful. Alzheimer’s can make familiar places or people feel strange and confusing to her. This can cause fear.

She might not want to be left alone or might get nervous when doing something as simple as going to the grocery store. She may also become more anxious about her safety, worrying about things like whether the doors are locked or if someone is going to hurt her. This fear can lead to restlessness and make it hard for her to relax.

Alzheimer’s care at home can help with this anxiety because Alzheimer’s care at home is available around the clock. When you can’t be with your mom a caregiver can be so that she feels safe.

Paranoia or Suspicion

As Alzheimer’s gets worse, your mom may begin to believe things that aren’t true. She might start accusing people of stealing from her or think that someone is plotting against her. This is called paranoia.

For example, if she can’t find her purse, she may accuse you or someone else of taking it, even though it’s just misplaced.

Her brain can no longer make sense of certain situations, so she fills in the gaps with false beliefs. This can be hurtful, but it’s important to remember that it’s the disease, not her, causing these thoughts.

Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Socializing

Another common personality change is that your mom may lose interest in things she once loved. If she used to enjoy gardening, knitting, or watching her favorite TV shows, she might suddenly stop caring about them.

This change happens because Alzheimer’s affects her motivation and ability to enjoy activities. She may feel overwhelmed by things that once made her happy, or she may simply forget how to do them.

Becoming More Dependent

As Alzheimer’s progresses, your mom may become more dependent on others, even for simple things. She might start asking for help with tasks she used to do easily on her own, like cooking, cleaning, or paying bills.

This increased dependency can also affect her personality. She may become clingier, always wanting to be near someone because she feels unsure or unsafe on her own.

This can be hard for family members to handle, especially if your mom was once very independent and proud of doing things by herself. Alzheimer’s care at home can make caring for your mom at home easier for you and your siblings.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.