Caring for Your Senior's Social Wellness

July is social wellness month, which means that it is a wonderful time to consider the social aspect of your senior's life. Studies have shown that depression, feelings of isolation, and loneliness can all stem from a lack of social activity, meaning that it is extremely important for elderly individuals to remain engaged in their community and spend time with friends and family members. Home care Chapel Hill professionals know that this is not always easy, particularly if your senior is facing medical conditions or other limitations that restrict their mobility. But with these tips, you can care for elderly socialization needs.

Ensure that your loved one has access to reliable transportation. 
Whether you personal drive your senior to their social events, hire an eldercare professional to do so, or call upon friends and family, it is crucial that your loved one is not stuck in their home. For many seniors, the inability to drive themselves to community centers, book clubs, sewing groups, etc. is the primary reason why they experience a decline in social activity. Talk to your senior about the events that they would like to attend and ensure that they have a ride to and from these gatherings.

Encourage your elderly loved one to join an interest group. 
For many seniors, the sad reality is that they have outlived many of their friends and even family members. As such, they may experience a dwindling in their social group, which can become depressing. To keep your senior's spirits up, encourage them to join an interest group in order to meet new people and engage in their favorite activities. Walking, book, cooking, and sewing clubs are highly popular. Additionally, taking classes at the local senior center is a wonderful way to stay socially active while learning new skills and making new friends.

Depression is a common concern for seniors, as they may feel isolated as they continue to age. Whether your elderly loved one is aging in place independently or calls upon the assistance of professional home care providers, it is crucial that you take the time to ensure that all of their needs are being met—including those pertaining to their social activity.

Health Screenings: What Do Women Need Between 50 and 59?

By:  Todd Palmer at Always Best Care

Throughout all phases of life, from birth forward, health screenings are extremely important. These appointments allow doctors to pinpoint any medical concerns and address issues that may arise, allowing their patients to access the high quality healthcare they need to live the best life possible. But as individuals get older, the actual screenings that they should have performed may change. Janet, who lives in Durham, North Carolina, recently did a bit of research to determine the kinds of healthcare support she should expect in terms of screenings between the ages of 50 and 59. Here, Janet shares her findings:1

• Diabetes Screening: A fasting plasma glucose test is conducted in order to detect any abnormal blood sugar levels and the presence of diabetes. This screening should take place at least once every three years, particularly if individuals have elevated or high blood pressure. 
• Hepatitis C Screening: Through a simple blood test, this screening can determine whether or not an individual has the hepatitis C virus, which can cause liver cancer and other serious conditions regarding this organ. Seniors born between 1945 and 1965 are urged to be tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
• Depression Screening: Depression symptoms lasting for two weeks or more may require medical attention, so this is an important aspect of proper healthcare. 
• Alcohol Abuse Screening: Alcohol abuse can cause a wide range of health problems, and as such it is important that misuse is detected and addressed as soon as possible. 
• Obesity Screening: As individuals age it can become difficult to keep weight off and lose excess pounds. This screening allows seniors to determine if they are at a healthy weight and, if they are not, to partner with their doctors to create a weight loss plan. 
• Tobacco Use Screening: This screening sheds light on the importance of refraining from tobacco use and offers interventions when necessary. 
• Sexually Transmitted Disease Screenings: It is important for sexually active individuals to be screened for HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Janet knows that it can be difficult to understand just what health screenings are necessary at certain ages, and this list has helped her to ensure that she has the right tests performed.

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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.2.html