The process of aging brings along with it many changes to your parents function and abilities. Some of these involve their senses, which are vital for their interaction with the world around them. Many people simply expect that they will experience difficulties with their senses, such as a reduction in vision, as they are getting older and do not think much about it. As a family caregiver for your aging parent, however, it is extremely important that you recognize that reduced senses such as low vision are not just inconvenient. They can negatively impact your parents abilities and even put them at risk. Not being able to see as clearly and effectively as they once did can create a variety of dangers for your aging parent on a daily basis, and it is important that you recognize these risks and take the proper steps to reduce them so that your parent can stay as safe, healthy, independent, and as active as possible as they age in place.

Some ways that low vision can be dangerous for your senior include:

  • Increased risk of falls and other injuries as a result of no longer being able to effectively see all obstacles in their path or detect changes in elevation such as steps, threshold, dips, and sunken areas of the floor.
  • Not being able to read as effectively can make it more challenging for your parent to properly review their medications, including the labels on their medication bottles and the included document that lists instructions, risks, side effects, and things that your parents should not do what when taking the medications.
  • Not being able to properly review their medications can also increase the chances that they will take the wrong dose or combine their medication with other medications or other substances that can be dangerous.
  • Low vision can make it so that your parent is not able to properly determine if they have taken safety measures, such as confirming that they have turned off a space heater or the stovetop.
  • Not being able to see properly can make driving extremely dangerous for an elderly adult who is still driving. The senior may not be able to properly detect traffic patterns, see signs and other markings on the road, or gauge distance, which can result in accidents.

Starting home care for your aging parent can be an exceptional way to boost their quality of life, support better physical, mental, and emotional health, and encourage them to live a lifestyle that is active and fulfilling as they age in place. An in-home senior care services provider can be there with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your loved one is getting all of the care, support, and assistance that they need, while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence and engagement as possible throughout their later years. This can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs such as grooming and bathing, meal preparation, mobility assistance, and companionship. Knowing your parent has this type of care will ease your stress and allow you to focus your energy and attention more effectively and efficiently throughout your care journey.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Burnsville, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.