As your family members age, health problems can arise that you were not expecting or prepared to address. Often, older adults are resistant to acknowledging health problems because they don’t want to deal with an ongoing health problem or be faced with giving up their independence. However, health problems can put your loved ones in danger, so it is critical always to put your family’s health first even when they are resistant. Here are four common problems that may arise as a person ages, how to face them, and what resources are available to you.
Hearing problems
Hearing loss in the elderly is often attributed to years of hearing damage from working and loud noises. People who worked for years in factories or on worksites often experience hearing loss in their later years. An inability to hear clearly will negatively impact your loved one’s ability to communicate, which will impact their personal relationships. However, hearing loss can be corrected with the right help. Hearing Health USA is an audiologist company that has offices all across the country. As their name suggests, they specialize in hearing health. They can provide a hearing test, either in person or an online hearing test, and hearing aids as needed. If older adults are suffering from the painful ringing, buzzing, and humming of tinnitus, which is also a symptom of hearing problems, Hearing Health USA also offers tinnitus treatments. Look into booking an online hearing screening with an audiologist. Early diagnosis of hearing impairment can help take care of the problem and minimize its impact on daily life.
Vision problems
Everyone’s eyes change as they get older. These changes can include a worsening of vision, an inability to see at night clearly, cataracts, or more serious diseases, including macular degeneration. It is vital to your family member’s safety to see an eye doctor regularly. Some vision problems can be corrected with new glasses or surgery, while others may be more permanent. Regardless of the treatment options, deteriorating vision can create a safety hazard for your loved one and others, especially if they are still driving. If you notice your family member struggling to see something clearly, help ensure they see their eye doctor as soon as possible.
Memory problems
While mild memory loss can be a part of normal aging, but it can also sign a more serious problem causing dementia. Several conditions can cause dementia, with the most notable one being Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing the early signs of Alzheimer’s can help you differentiate between dementia and simple forgetting. The Alzheimer’s Association has dedicated years of experience and resources to educating the public and providing support and resources to families and caregivers of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The onset of Alzheimer’s can happen early, but most patients experience onset after 60. In the early stages, you may notice a behavior change or cognitive impairment in addition to short term memory loss, forgetting things, or getting confused easily. If you are getting concerned, it is important to get your loved one to their doctor. There are medications on the market now that can help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Mobility problems
Mobility problems are also more common as people age. Falling is a significant health risk for the elderly and the cause of many injuries. If your loved one is having mobility or balance problems it is important to have them see their doctor because the cause may be something more serious. You can help protect your loved ones by providing them with tools to help with their mobility like a cane or walker. Get them an emergency necklace or bracelet, so they can call for help if they fall and can’t get up. Rearranging furniture, removing rugs, and putting support bars in the bathroom will also reduce the risk of falling.
