Concerns Seniors Have When Moving to Assisted Living

Most seniors and their families are concerned about the services provided in assisted living facilities and this is probably the main reason many seniors fear moving to this senior living option. Leaving our home and moving to a new place alone is not easy. Seniors have many fears regarding their independency, privacy, social relations and many other things when moving away from the known to an assisted living facility
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Here are some common concerns that seniors have while moving to a senior living facility.   

1. “I’ll get bored” – Many seniors believe that they will get bored if they move to an assisted living facility because as everyone will be unknown to them. The truth is that there is no time to get bored in an assisted living facility if they want to be active. Almost all the facilities offer several activities for seniors to keep them active and to socialize. 
2. “I’ll lose independence” – Your loved one may be concerned that once they leave their home, their independence will be compromised. However, your loved one will in fact have extra free time to do the things they enjoy doing. 
3. “My loved ones will forget me” – This is the most common fear of seniors who are moving to an assisted living facility. However, moving to assisted living doesn’t mean you will lose importance or your loved ones will forget you. In fact, your relationship with them might even become stronger. 
4. “I will be served terrible food” – Some seniors are unwilling to shift to an assisted living because they believe that the food that will be provided there will not be healthy or taste good. However, assisted living facilities provide well prepared and healthy food to all the residents keeping in mind their health and needs. Many facilities even have kitchenettes in many of their apartments for those still able to cook.

It is important for family members and friends of seniors to ensure that their loved ones do not worry while moving to an assisted living facility. One thing you can tell them is that it is just another home, but includes extra care.

To find the right Assisted Living Option In Central Ohio, get in touch with Always Best Care. The senior care organization is known for providing the best assisted living placement services around.For more information, call them today at (614) 284-6764.

Sleep Disorders in Seniors

Sleep disorders are quite common in seniors and are related to several things, including the use of tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, or unhealthy sleep habits and comorbid diseases. As you get older, sleeping patterns change causing problems such as trouble falling asleep, not getting quality sleep, or waking up frequently during the night.

Here are some of the most common sleep disorders among the elderly:

1. Insomnia: When seniors are suffering from insomnia, they have difficulty falling asleep at night. The common causes on Insomnia are: poor sleep patterns, medical illness, stress, lack of physical activity, isolation and more.

2. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: The brain releases serotonin and melatonin when darkness falls as a signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. However, due to circadian rhythm disorders, the brain does not respond to such signals. As a result, serotonin levels become inadequate, which results in erratic sleep or wake patterns.

 

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in older people as compared to younger adults. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include use of certain medications, excessive daytime sleep, diabetes, consumption of alcohol, genetic factors, smoking, and obesity. Loud snoring is often the first symptom that an older adult is suffering from sleep apnea.

4. Rapid eye movement sleep-behavior disorder: This is caused by the loss of normal skeletal muscle Antonia during the stage of sleep. Patients with this sleep-behavior disorder appear to react to their dreams and may punch, kick, or jump out of bed in response to dream imagery.</li>

5. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia refers to excessive sleep. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time. For instance, at work or while they are driving. Head injuries often result in hypersomnia.

A good night’s sleep can be achieved with proper treatment, plus some dietary and lifestyle changes. However, if you are unable to manage your health issues that are causing disturbed sleep, you should look for professional care.

If your health is constantly declining, you can also consider moving to assisted living facility where you will receive the right level of care and support you need. To find the right Assisted Living Community In Columbus, get in touch with Always Best Care. For more information, call (614) 284-6764.

Seniors: What To Know About Aging & Paranoia

Sometimes, as people age, they can develop a paranoia that upsets and worries their family, friends, and caregivers. The most important aspect to consider when it comes to paranoia in a senior is the frequency and the severity of it. First, and foremost, don’t dismiss the senior’s claims – perhaps they think that someone is stealing their mail, or that their money is being stolen. Don’t immediately believe that the senior is “just being paranoid.” Investigate the claims, but consider that if the senior is exhibiting the following symptoms, they may be suffering from a medical condition.

What are the Symptoms of Paranoia?

• The senior is feeling that they are being unjustly persecuted.

• The senior is seeing or hearing things (people, animals, etc.) that aren’t there.(While this is a  symptom of paranoia, it may also be a side effect of a medication,or vision problems).

• The senior is feeling intense agitation and stress that has no obvious reason why.

• The senior is hearing strange noises (this may have a basis in reality – check for plumbing issues,  tree limbs scratching on the house, pests in the walls, etc.).

• The senior is certain that people are talking about them being their back (this could be related to the  senior’s hearing aid, so check with their audiologist).

What are Some Reasons for Senior Paranoia?

• Certain types of medications can create paranoid delusions. Check with the pharmacist and/or  doctor.

• Delirium.

• Brain tumor.

• Alzheimer’s disease.

• Dementia.

• Vascular damage resulting from a head injury or stroke.

• Urinary tract infections that have gone untreated.

• Cognitive impairment.

What Can Caregivers Do?

• Always treat the senior with love and respect, listen thoughtfully to them and their fears.

• Always be patient and understanding.

• Reassure the senior, but also provide viable explanations to explain how they are feeling.

• Keep a log of the senior’s behavior to show a medical professional in the future.

• Keep in mind that most instances of paranoia can be treated.

Seniors living in the Columbus area, who are interested in learning about Alzheimer’s care in Central Ohio or about assisted living placement, are invited to contact the Always Best Care North Columbus location at 614-284-6764 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!