Aphasia is a communication disorder that damages the brain and makes it difficult to communicate. Many seniors are at high risk for developing aphasia, which can occur after a stroke, in the later stages of dementia, or as a result of various other situations. Here are a few tips on how you can lower your senior loved one’s chances of developing aphasia.
Do a Safety Assessment of the Home
According to the National Council on Aging, 25 percent of all adults over age 65 fall down every year, and many of these accidents result in brain injuries. Injuring the brain increases the risk of developing aphasia. Taking some time to remove hazards from the home that can lead to tripping is one of the easiest ways to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling. You can also invest in an ergonomic mobility device such as a walker or cane.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Encourage Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Strokes take place when blood flow is cut off from the brain, and staying at a healthy weight can drastically reduce the risk of having a stroke. In addition to eating healthy, your loved one should try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Some of the ideal exercises for seniors include brisk walks, hiking, gardening, dance classes, water aerobics, and swimming. A large percentage of older adults who experience one or more strokes end up developing some form of aphasia. Promote Good Hygiene Habits
As your loved one grows older, his or her immune system will no longer be as efficient as it once was, which can make it difficult to fight off the bacteria and pathogens he or she comes into contact with. Good hygiene habits, such as washing the hands multiple times a day with antibacterial soap, are the first line of defense against severe infections that can result in permanent brain damage.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care Richmond families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Challenge Cognitive Abilities
Dementia and aphasia are closely related, and all family caregivers should continue to watch for any signs of these two conditions. Regularly challenging your loved one’s mental abilities can keep his or her brain healthy and slow the rate of cognitive decline. Some of the ideal options for challenging cognitive abilities include puzzles, board games, and classes designed specifically for seniors. Your loved one should also be screened at least once every few years for dementia-related disorders.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Henrico families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us today.
