The Role of Music Therapy in Senior Care
Music therapy, a therapeutic intervention that utilizes music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs, has gained significant recognition in various healthcare settings. This holistic approach involves a trained music therapist who actively engages with individuals through a variety of musical activities, such as listening, singing, playing instruments, and songwriting. While it can be employed for individuals of all ages, music therapy in senior care has garnered particular attention due to its potential to address the unique challenges and needs of older adults. This article explores the numerous benefits of music therapy for seniors, including its impact on mood, memory, and overall well-being. Improving Mood and Emotional Well-being Music therapy offers a powerful means of enhancing mood and emotional well-being for seniors. By evoking emotions and memories, listening to preferred music can provide comfort, reduce isolation, and stimulate the release of feel-good hormones. Active engagement in music therapy, such as singing or playing instruments, can further boost emotional well-being and foster social connections. Enhancing Cognitive Function Music therapy offers a powerful approach to enhancing cognitive function in seniors. By stimulating brain activity and tapping into the deep connection between music and memory, it can improve memory recall, language skills, and overall cognitive abilities, even for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond memory and language, music therapy can also challenge and strengthen other cognitive skills, such as attention, concentration, and problem-solving. Promoting Physical and Functional Abilities Music therapy can effectively promote physical and functional abilities in seniors. By incorporating rhythmic exercises and dance therapy, music can enhance movement, coordination, and balance. For individuals with mobility limitations, music therapy can provide a motivating and enjoyable way to improve physical function and reduce the risk of falls. Fostering Socialization and Communication Music therapy can foster socialization and communication among seniors. By creating a shared experience and providing a common ground for connection, group music therapy sessions can help seniors overcome social isolation and build meaningful relationships. Music also serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and communication, allowing individuals to connect on a deeper level and share their experiences. The Power of Music: A Harmonious Addition to Senior Care Music therapy offers a multitude of benefits for seniors, from improving mood and memory to enhancing physical and cognitive abilities. By tapping into the powerful connection between music and the human experience, music therapy can provide a holistic approach to senior care. Incorporating music therapy into senior care programs can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults. Whether it’s through individual sessions or group activities, music therapy can offer a meaningful and enjoyable way to connect with others, express oneself, and improve overall well-being. Sencura’s companionship services can complement music therapy by providing opportunities for social interaction and engagement. Our dedicated caregivers can accompany seniors to music therapy sessions, offer support, and facilitate meaningful connections with other participants. By combining the therapeutic benefits of music with the personalized support of our companionship services, we can create a truly enriching and fulfilling experience for seniors.
How Caregiving Services Enhance the Golden Years
Everyone dreams of living life to the fullest at every age. As our loved ones mature, their needs may evolve, and sometimes, a helping hand can make all the difference. In-home caregiving services aren’t just about assistance; they’re about enriching the lives of seniors and fostering their independence and dignity. How Caregiving Services Improve the Quality of Life for Seniors Maintaining Independence Many seniors cherish their autonomy. Caregivers can provide essential support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management, allowing seniors to remain in their familiar homes for as long as possible. Enhanced Safety and Security In-home caregivers can provide a watchful eye, reducing the risk of falls and accidents. Additionally, having companionship can alleviate feelings of isolation and vulnerability, promoting peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Improved Physical and Mental Wellbeing Regular physical activity is crucial for seniors, and caregivers can assist with walks, exercise routines, or even light housekeeping, fostering a more active lifestyle. Furthermore, engaging conversations and social interactions facilitated by caregivers can combat loneliness and improve overall mental well-being. Peace of Mind for Families Knowing that a qualified caregiver is looking after your loved one allows families to focus on their own well-being while having confidence that their senior family member is receiving the care they deserve. Personalized Care and Companionship Caregivers are compassionate individuals who tailor their services to each senior’s specific needs and preferences. This personalized approach goes beyond just physical care, fostering meaningful connections and friendships that enrich seniors’ lives. Considering Caregiving Services for Yourself or a Loved One? Contact SenCura Homecare today! We offer a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how our compassionate caregivers can create a personalized care plan that enhances your quality of life. Remember, at SenCura, we’re here to help you and your loved ones age gracefully, with dignity, and most importantly, with joy.
Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe: Home Monitoring in Senior Care
The safety and well-being of seniors are top priority. As our cherished seniors age in their homes, innovative technology can play a valuable role in ensuring their continued independence and security. Today, let’s explore the benefits of home monitoring systems and how they contribute to a more peaceful living environment for seniors and their families. Peace of Mind Through Proactive Monitoring Home monitoring systems offer a watchful eye, providing real-time data and alerts that can prevent potential emergencies. Sensors strategically placed throughout the home can detect unusual activity, such as falls, unexpected exits, or changes in daily routines. This allows for prompt intervention, whether it’s contacting a caregiver, family member, or emergency services. Enhancing Independence with Confidence Many seniors value their autonomy and wish to remain in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Home monitoring systems empower this desire by offering a discreet safety net. Knowing that unseen support exists can alleviate anxieties and allow seniors to navigate their daily lives with greater confidence. Promoting a Sense of Security Feeling secure in one’s own home is paramount for overall well-being. Home monitoring systems can deter unauthorized entry, providing an extra layer of protection against break-ins or unwanted visitors. This fosters a sense of security and peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Beyond Basic Monitoring Modern home monitoring systems offer a range of customizable features that cater to individual needs. From medication reminders and temperature sensors to video monitoring and two-way communication, these systems can be tailored to create a personalized safety plan that complements existing caregiving services. Need Home Monitoring for Your Loved One? If you’re looking for ways to enhance your senior loved one’s safety and independence, home monitoring systems are a thoughtful option. At SenCura, we can help you navigate the various options available and explore how they can seamlessly integrate with your existing care plan. Remember, creating a safe and secure environment for our seniors allows them to live life to the fullest with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today!
Benefits of Professional Care for Alzheimer’s Patients?
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Benefits of Professional Care for Alzheimer’s Patients The place you call home plays a critical role in your life. It is where we feel safe and at ease as memories are made in a familiar environment. Alzheimer’s patients need this stability to help mitigate further deterioration. With over 5 million Americans diagnosed with the disease, it is more critical to help a loved one manage the illness by providing care at home. While caring for an older adult with memory issues can be difficult, working with a trusted professional care service can ease the burden. Here are the benefits of hiring a professional caregiver for Alzheimer’s patients. Monitoring New and Developing Symptoms Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gets worse with age. This makes daily life more challenging, especially if the patient lacks proper care. In severe cases, the disease increases mortality among older adults over 65. In-home care professionals can customize a health program to monitor symptoms, increase frequent communication, schedule heck-ins, and reduce hospital readmissions. It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s is more than just a memory problem; it also affects individual behavior and thinking. In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s PatientsAs mentioned, Alzheimer’s patients need to be around a familiar environment to reduce the rate of deterioration. Studies show that a familiar setting can benefit the older adult, but you should ensure it is clean and safe. Since everyday activities pose a challenge, you may be required to attend to the senior’s needs. A more suitable option is to hire an experienced in-home care service to help with the day-to-day activities, such as cooking and cleaning. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Hence; professional care can ensure a safer environment and mitigate such risks. Diet for Alzheimer’s Patients Maintaining a healthy diet can be a problem for seniors with dementia. They usually mix a variety of choices or forget to eat, which affects their overall health and wellness. An in-home care aide can assist with meal planning and preparation to guarantee a well-balanced diet with every meal. Healthy meals promote not only strong immunity but also prevent weight-related issues. Behavior Monitoring Alzheimer’s affects not only an individual’s memory but also their behavior and thinking. An older loved one diagnosed with the disease can develop behavioral changes manifesting irritability and depression. If you aren’t aware of the changes, it can make daily life difficult, and a professional care expert may be needed to assist with cleaning and other errands. Relieving the seniors in daily tasks allows them to remain in a stable environment, which promotes positive behavior. Alzheimer’s is a high-ranked cause of death in the US. While a diagnosis may not mean instant doom, it is a sign you should make the senior as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. The primary goal of a certified caregiver is to ensure your older loved one gets the best treatment to make them comfortable in the end. Contact a professional today and learn effective ways to help an older adult with Alzheimer’s. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced In-Home Care in Vienna, VA contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
5 Ways To Make Sure Your Senior Parent Isn’t Lonely
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages 5 Ways To Make Sure Your Senior Parent Isn’t Lonely Aging in place has a lot of great benefits for seniors. However one of the drawbacks that seniors who are aging in place experience is loneliness. A senior parent who is living independently can become lonely in their homes, especially when their family members or friends live far away and can’t visit often. If you’re worried that your senior parent who is living alone is going to become socially isolated and lonely here are five things you can do to help them stay engaged and connected to other people: 1. Companion Care at Home With companion care at home, seniors have regular visits from a care provider who is just there to be their friend. A companion will hang out with your senior parent and do things like share meals, go out to lunch or coffee, hang around the house and watch TV, or go to the movies. They may also go on social outings like going to concerts, art galleries, or museums. With companion care at home, your senior parent is guaranteed to have the valuable social interaction they need for their physical and mental health. 2. Have a Daily Check-In Call If you live far away from your senior parent you don’t need to make a lot of time to connect with them. A simple five-minute check-in call once a day is a great way to let your senior parent know you’re thinking of them and keep them connected. Just a quick chat about your day will cheer them up, and it will make them feel good to know you’re going to call at the same time every day to check on them. 3. Pay for a Gym Membership Membership at a gym can be social in addition to helping seniors with their physical health. Lots of gyms offer group exercise classes and activities that will give your senior parent the social stimulation they need. A gym is a great place for seniors to make friends their age they can connect with. 4. Sign Up for a Library Card If your senior parent doesn’t already have a library card, help them get one, or have companion care at home help them get one. Libraries are fantastic community resources for everyone, including seniors. Your senior loved one will be able to borrow books, movies, CDs, and other items for free. They can join book clubs, discussion groups, and other social groups that use the library as a meeting place. Some libraries now even have cafes where seniors and others can sit for hours with coffee or tea talking to their friends and people who drop by. 5. Arrange for Transportation to the Senior Center Most communities have senior centers where seniors can gather and spend hours doing different activities, making friends, watching movies, and just hanging out with other seniors. Some senior centers organize trips and fun events. If you arrange for regular transportation your senior parent will be able to go to the local senior center whenever they want even if they no longer drive. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Companion Care at Home in Falls Church, VA contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
The Signs of Severe Dementia in Older Adults: Recognizing Symptoms and the Role of Home Care Services
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages The Signs of Severe Dementia in Older Adults: Recognizing Symptoms and the Role of Home Care Services Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide. Individuals may experience severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives as the disease advances. Recognizing the signs of severe dementia is crucial for caregivers and family members. Let’s explore the various symptoms to look out for and discuss the importance of home care services in improving the quality of life for those with severe dementia. Cognitive and Memory Decline Severe dementia often manifests through pronounced cognitive and memory decline. Memory lapses become more frequent and may interfere with daily activities. Individuals may need help to recall essential details such as names, places, or recent events. Additionally, they may need help with problem-solving, decision-making, and abstract thinking. Communication Challenges Communication difficulties are common in severe dementia. Individuals may struggle to express themselves clearly or understand conversations. They may need help finding the right words, repeating phrases or questions, or need help following instructions. Social withdrawal and frustration can arise because of these challenges, leading to increased isolation. Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms Severe dementia can bring about a range of behavioral and psychological symptoms. These may include aggression, agitation, restlessness, or wandering. Individuals may display mood swings, depression, anxiety, or paranoia. Sleep disturbances and nighttime confusion can also become more pronounced. Recognizing and managing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for the person with dementia. A decline in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) As dementia progresses, the ability to perform activities of daily living becomes increasingly impaired. Individuals may struggle with bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding themselves. They may also have difficulty using the restroom independently. These challenges necessitate the need for additional support and assistance. Importance of Home Care Services Home care services are vital in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe dementia. These services offer personalized care and support within the familiar environment of one’s home. Trained professionals can assist with daily activities, medication management, and personal hygiene. They can also monitor the person’s condition and promptly address emerging health concerns. Tailored Care Plans Home care services provide individualized care plans tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the person with severe dementia. These plans encompass a comprehensive approach encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being. Caregivers work closely with families to develop strategies that maintain a routine, reduce anxiety, and promote engagement in meaningful activities. Respite and Support for Family Caregivers Caring for a loved one with severe dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding for family caregivers. Home care services offer respite and support, allowing caregivers to take much-needed breaks and attend to their well-being. This can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and ensure that caregivers can continue providing the best possible care to their loved ones. Recognizing the signs of severe dementia is crucial for family members to provide appropriate care and support. Home care services are essential in improving the quality of life for individuals with severe dementia, offering tailored care plans, respite for family caregivers, and a familiar environment. By understanding the symptoms and accessing the proper support, families can navigate the challenges of severe dementia with compassion, ensuring the well-being of their loved ones in their journey. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Home Care in Alexandria, VA, contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
The Risks of Living Alone for Older Adults with Osteoporosis
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages The Risks of Living Alone for Older Adults with Osteoporosis Living alone can present distinct challenges for older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis. Let’s look at the risks associated with living alone for these seniors. And the difficulties faced while emphasizing the critical role senior home care services play in improving the quality of life for these individuals. Vulnerability to Falls and Fractures Elderly adults living alone with osteoporosis significantly increase their risk of falls and fractures. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to breakage even from minor accidents. Additionally, living alone without immediate assistance or support increases the impact of such incidents further, leading to longer recovery times and potential complications that could require long term medical attention and even rehabilitation programs for the treatment of complications that arise later. Restrict Mobility and Physical Challenges For older adults living alone, osteoporosis can severely limit mobility and cause physical challenges that have once been taken for granted. Things like climbing stairs and reaching high shelves – daily activities that were once easily accomplished may now become exhausting tasks. Living alone compounds these difficulties as someone may be available to assist or aid while navigating such physical hurdles. Emotional and Mental Well-Being Living alone can have severe repercussions for older adults with osteoporosis, negatively impacting both emotional and mental health. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression are common among individuals lacking regular social interactions or emotional support – this lack of companionship could contribute to decreased mental health and overall life satisfaction. Medication Management and Health Risks Adherence to treatment plans is of utmost importance for individuals with osteoporosis, yet managing medications alone may present unique challenges. Recalling medication schedules, tracking side effects, or seeking medical help promptly could become increasingly challenging due to living independently. Possible results include increased health risks, compromised treatment outcomes, or delayed interventions during an emergency. Importance of Home Care Services for Older Adults with Osteoporosis Senior home care services play a crucial role in meeting the unique challenges that older adults living alone with osteoporosis face. They provide a solid support network that significantly improves the quality of life for these seniors. Let’s examine some ways in which senior home care can improve well-being: Fall Prevention and Safety Measures – Trained caregivers possess the expertise needed to implement vital safety measures within the home environment, effectively reducing fall risks while creating a safe living space for older adults. Assistance with Daily Activities – Senior home care professionals provide invaluable assistance with daily activities that may become challenging for older adults with osteoporosis. From meal preparation and housekeeping duties to personal care services and even support during illness or rehabilitation, senior caregivers ensure independence while making lives more manageable. Companionship and Social Engagement – Retaining regular interaction with caring caregivers is one of the best ways to combat social isolation among older adults living alone with osteoporosis. Senior home care professionals offer much more than physical assistance. Their companionship provides emotional support, meaningful connections, and companionship that significantly contributes to mental and emotional well-being. Medication Management and Health Monitoring – Adherence to complex medication regimens and regular monitoring for managing osteoporosis can be daunting for seniors living alone. Senior home care services play an integral role in overseeing medication schedules, offering timely reminders, coordinating medical appointments, and managing medical appointments to optimize adherence rates while optimizing the effectiveness of treatment plans for optimal health outcomes. Emergency Response – A cornerstone of senior home care is providing immediate assistance in case of falls or medical emergencies. With caregivers being present, it ensures older adults can quickly access help when needed, minimizing potential risks and giving peace of mind to older adults living alone with osteoporosis. A timely emergency response makes a tremendous difference to their safety and well-being. Living alone with osteoporosis poses considerable risks for older adults, impacting their physical and emotional well-being. However, senior home care services offer a comprehensive solution to alleviate these challenges. By providing support with daily activities, fall prevention measures, companionship, and healthcare management, home care enhances the quality of life for older adults with osteoporosis, allowing them to age gracefully and independently while minimizing risks. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Senior Home Care in Ashburn, VA, contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. Providing in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
Book Series Recommendations from In-Home Care to Read to Your Senior
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Book Series Recommendations from In-Home Care to Read to a Female Senior You spend a lot of time with your mom and are always looking for ways to remain engaged. She loves to read, so why not read with her? You’ll have plenty to talk about as you read the book and create fun book-related activities that you can do together. Her in-home care provider can even do this, too! What are some of the best book series with older characters that you can read and discuss with an elderly mom? Nora Charles’ Senior Sleuth Series Kate Kennedy is the protagonist in Nora Charles‘ cozy mystery series of books for seniors. Kate is enjoying her retirement in Florida along with her beloved dog. When the president of her condo board is found dead, she decides to spend her days trying to solve the crime. That kicks off her role as an amateur detective in her sunny Florida town. Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Mysteries Agatha Christie penned several Miss Marple books. Miss Marple is an amateur detective of an unknown age. In some books, she’s in her 70s, but in others, she’s older in others. She’s smart, doesn’t miss anything, and is even at times a bit of a gossip. It’s her powers of detection and paying attention to subtle details that make her a great detective. Be your own detectives after reading a Miss Marple book. You can buy mystery game boxes where you have all of the newspaper clippings, crime scene photos, forensic evidence, witness statements, etc. needed to solve a crime. It’s up to you to make sense of it all. Dorothy Gilman’s Mrs. Pollifax Series Mrs. Emily Pollifax is a New Jersey widow with an empty nest and too much time on her hands. She’s tired of doing things that older widows are expected to take up as hobbies. Instead, she persuades the CIA to let her help out on cases. Rita Lakin’s Getting Old Series Rita Lakin‘s career began as a writer for popular TV shows like “Peyton Place,” “The Doctors,” and “Dynasty.” In 2005, she started her nine-book “Getting Old” series, which is described as “Golden Girls play Nancy Drew.” Gladdy Gold and her friends may be older, but their mystery-solving days are not behind them. Joanna Nell’s Books Australia’s Joanna Nell has several engaging books about older pensioners who may be older, but their zest for life hasn’t come to an end. While they’re not exactly a series of books for seniors, they all do feature older women who are in retirement communities and looking for something more in very humorous, lively ways. In-Home Care When you’re not free to spend time with your mom, is she all alone? Should she be? If you need to focus on your job, your children, your friendships, or your personal life for a while, set up in-home care visits to ensure she has the support she needs to remain independent. In-home care aides provide just enough help to make sure your mom’s home is clean and organized, she has the items she needs for meals, snacks, and personal care, and isn’t feeling lonely or isolated. They can even read them books for seniors to keep them entertained. Talk to a home care advisor to learn more about the availability of services and their costs. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced In-Home Care in Gainesville, VA contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
Companion Care at Home Tips to Spot a Senior Romance Scam
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Companion Care at Home Tips to Spot a Senior Romance Scam Loneliness is a big problem for seniors, especially those that are aging in place. They are often socially disconnected and have a hard time getting the social contact they need to stay healthy. Companion care at home can help solve the loneliness problem for seniors, but for some, it may not be enough. Seniors are increasingly looking for love in their later years. Those who that have lost their spouse or partner may turn to dating apps or sites to try and find companionship. Nearly 13% of seniors over the age of 65 have used a dating app or a site like Facebook Dating. Unfortunately, that has led to huge growth in romance scams. Scammers are targeting lonely seniors out millions of dollars every year. Romance scammers are very sophisticated. They typically start asking for small amounts of money to build trust. Then they ask for untraceable gift cards, wire transfers, or money transfers through payment services like Cash App or Zelle. It can be difficult to know if someone that a senior meets through a dating site is a legitimate love interest or a scammer. Companion care at home can help your senior loved one spot potential red flags and help them proceed with caution. The Person Is Asking For Money Right Away Anyone that seniors meet on a dating site that asks for money shortly after they start chatting is a red flag. If seniors start talking to someone that always has some kind of emergency that’s a reason to be suspicious. Bad things do happen. But if someone is having a new crisis that requires money every single week that’s highly suspicious. They Won’t Talk On The Phone Or Video Chat It’s understandable that a potential date may not want to talk on the phone or video chat until they have exchanged some messages through the dating site. But if more than a week has gone by and the person refuses to meet, talk on the phone, or video chat that is suspicious. Typically people want to meet in person as quickly as possible. They Ask For Money Using Untraceable Methods Potential dates that ask seniors to send money using untraceable methods are immediately suspect. Seniors should never send gift cards to strangers. They should also not send money through apps like Cash App or Zelle. Zelle is notorious for not supporting customers who lose money to fraud. Once a Zelle payment is made it can be impossible to track it. Or to get it back. They’re Too Perfect Seniors should be suspicious of any potential date who seems too perfect. No one is perfect. So if their photos seem glossy and perfectly posed that’s a bad sign. It’s also a bad sign if they seem to have a great job, a nice home, and a great personality. Remember the old adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Companion Care at Home in Ashburn, VA contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.
Seniors and Falling
By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Call : 703-880-2547 By dialing the provided phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages Seniors and Falling: How to Prevent Senior Falls and Fractures The National Council on Aging estimates that 25 percent of Americans 65 and older fall every year. The council says that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. That might not be surprising to adult children of aging seniors, as senior falls tend to be one of the biggest worries and causes for keeping them up at night. Here are a few ways that you can feel better about keeping your loved one safer from falls while they are out of your sight and receiving elderly care at home. Furniture & Layout: It might seem simple, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to eliminate accidental senior falls in the home is to be vigilant and watching for tripping hazards in and around your senior’s household. Make sure items like pet’s toys, shoes, and household items are kept picked up and don’t rearrange the furniture. Be sure that any doors leading to staircases are kept shut and/or locked, and if you must have area rugs, make sure they are kept secured into place with a non-slip backing. Footwear: When you are thinking of elderly care, shoes aren’t often the first thing to come to mind, but proper fitting and rubber-soled shoes can play an important part in preventing senior falls at home and on the go. If you aren’t sure what shoes are best, talk to your senior’s doctor and let them know your concerns. They may have some tips on proper footwear with regards to both orthopedic and safety reasons. Mobility Aids: Many seniors use assistance to help get them from place to place, like walkers and canes. Be sure they know how to properly use these helpful items and that they are in good working condition; without any loose parts or wear and tear that could cause a breakdown which could lead to senior falls or fractures. Keep these items stored where your parent can reach them easily but that they are not going to cause a tripping incident. Vision: When was the last time your loved one receiving elderly care had their eyes checked? They may not think that they have an issue, but regular eye exams are important for everyone, especially as we age. Getting fitted for proper eyeglasses, if needed, can be a good first step in preventing senior falls from lack of good vision. Be Proactive: When you or your loved one’s caregivers are taking them outside of their home, think ahead about the types of obstacles and terrain they may experience depending on where you are going. Places with unpaved walkways, brick or stone paths, and slick or wet surfaces may not be the best destinations for seniors who have issues with balance or mobility. As always, share your concerns with your loved one’s caregivers. They are experienced with seniors and are a great resource on additional ways that you can work together to keep your parent safe. If you or a loved one are looking for experienced Elderly Care in Manassas, VA, contact SenCura at703-880-2547. We provide in-home senior care in Northern Virginia. Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2018/baltimore-tackles-elderly-falls-rate.html Professional Memberships We are members of the following organizations.