How do i know my elderly family member needs additional Support in their Brooklyn home?
Summer is typically a time of enjoyment for families in Brooklyn; however, it may present new challenges for many elderly individuals. Warmth, humidity, possible dehydration, and a reduction in mobility may all impact an individual’s ability to perform daily functions. Some times these issues arise gradually. However, there will come a point when the small changes indicate a greater need for additional Support in the person’s own home.
Recognizing these indicators early on will allow Brooklyn families to avoid undue pressure and risk, as well as potentially unsafe conditions. Through non-medical home care in New York, seniors may live safely and independently in their own homes.
Personal hygiene
When an individual experiences a decrease in his/her level of cleanliness, this could be an indicator that they require more assistance. It is common for family members to observe that their elderly relatives are showering or bathing infrequently, wear the same clothing consistently, skip some aspects of grooming (i.e., brushing teeth), or look fatigued. These behaviors do not necessarily represent a refusal by the elder to receive assistance. Rather, he/she might be experiencing fatigue due to poor circulation and/or decreased strength, experience anxiety related to falling in the bathtub/shower, or simply lack the energy required to attend to everyday routines. An experienced caregiver may assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other forms of personal care while preserving the elder’s self-respect.
Difficulty maintaining home environment
When an individual’s household becomes increasingly disorganized, dirty dishes begin to accumulate, uncompleted laundry exists, spoiled food remains in the refrigerator, etc., it may signify that completing daily responsibilities is beyond their capability. During the warmest months, the heat increases the difficulty associated with performing most household chores. Experienced caregivers from Angel Care may help complete light housekeeping duties (including vacuuming/dusting), prepare meals, complete laundry, and perform other routine duties to create a safer and more comfortable environment within the home.
Decrease in adequate nutrition/dehydration
Elderly people may consume less food during warmer seasons because preparing meals may seem like too much work, or their appetites may fluctuate. Weight loss may occur along with a nearly depleted pantry/refrigerator containing expired food items. Additionally, family members may express concerns regarding a family member being weak.
An added concern for the elderly population during the warmer months is dehydration. A caregiver may help to prepare healthy meals, ensure adequate consumption of fluids and encourage elderly individuals to drink regularly throughout the day.
Memory loss and Confusion
While occasional memory lapses are typical among aging individuals, repeated failure to take prescribed medications, fail to remember scheduled appointments, demonstrate Confusion and/or display risky behavior (such as leaving the stove unattended) necessitates intervention. Excessive temperatures and dehydration can exacerbate existing cognitive impairment. Companion care provided through our home care program assists seniors to maintain consistency in their daily routines (e.g., taking medications, attending appointments); eating/meals and drinking appropriately.
Safety while walking/mobility
If your elderly relative is demonstrating slower walking speeds, using furniture for balance/Support, avoiding stairways or exhibiting fear of falling, then he/she requires more Support. Falling is one of the leading causes of injury/death among seniors residing at home.
Our caregivers may provide Support while helping seniors move safely around their homes, assisting them with transfers and accompanying them on short walks. We also offer Support during various daily activities.
Withdrawal and emotional changes
In addition to potential physical difficulties presented by summer months, Isolation may increase for some elderly individuals who either are unable to leave their residence or whose family members are occupied. If your elderly relative appears detached/inactive/sad/anxious/has little interest in conversing with others then possibly companionship would be beneficial.
It is essential to understand that in-home care includes emotional Support/companionship as well as providing assistance with physical tasks.
What does Angel Care offer?
At Angel Care we provide supportive home care services for Brooklyn residents and those across New York state. Our caregivers assist seniors with daily tasks that can become challenging during the summer months:
- Bathing/dressing/grooming;
- Preparing meals/hydration reminders;
- Household cleaning/light laundry;
- Mobility assistance/fall prevention Support;
- Reminding them to take medications/routine Support;
- Emotional Support/conversation/companionship.
If your elderly family member has developed additional needs this summer, obtaining Support early will likely result in significant benefits for both your family member and your entire family. Providing the right Support through home care will minimize stress created by caring for an elderly family member; increase safety; and enable your family member to remain as independent as possible at home.
Angel Care offers Brooklyn families the Support needed to transition between independence and additional Support — with compassion, respect and care you can rely upon.
June in Brooklyn is just something else. All the leaves are out, the water looks great, and the city's incredible system of parks come alive in color and activity. Spending time in nature during these warmer, longer days can have actual physical and emotional benefits for seniors - including better moods, less anxiety, better sleep, and greater mobility. Using some basic planning and having a trusted caregiver with them, Brooklyn's many parks can provide enjoyment and access to both active and passive experiences regardless of a senior's ability or level of mobility/health. Angel Care HHA believes being outside should be a normal and fun part of every client's daily routine. Here is our neighborhood-based review of Brooklyn's top accessible outdoor destinations for seniors in June. Prospect Park - (Crown Heights/Park Slope) Prospect Park is Brooklyn's showpiece. It was developed by the same group of landscape architects who created Manhattan's Central Park. As such, it has everything that Prospect Park does, but on a larger scale. While there are plenty of options within the park for seniors to enjoy walking or sitting as much or as little as they would prefer. On warmer mornings in June, the rose garden is especially nice. The roses are blooming and the entire environment provides a calm escape from the hustle/bustle of the week. If your senior has difficulty walking due to a disability, the most accessible entrance into Prospect Park will be off the East drive on Flatbush Ave. To avoid the weekends when the park fills up quickly, we recommend visiting Monday through Thursday. There are several accessible restrooms located around the perimeter of the park. Brooklyn Bridge Park - (DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights) Stretching 1.3 miles along the East River Waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place to see the views of the NYC skyline. And in June, when the sky is clear, these views are nothing short of amazing. Brooklyn Bridge Park is relatively new and has been built with accessibility in mind. Start at Pier 1 where you'll have easy-to-walk-on paths, ample seating, and fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you'd like something a bit more low-key, Pier 6 at the southern end has a lovely beach area, lots of shaded seating, and a few cafes if you'd like to grab a bite to eat. The Greenway path is smooth and relatively flat along its length making it perfect for leisurely strolls. Just remember to wear sunscreen and hats since there isn't much shade near the water. We recommend grabbing a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes in DUMBO before returning to the park. Marine Park - (Gerritsen Beach/Marine Park) Marine Park is Brooklyn's largest park covering nearly 900 acres of land. Yet despite its size, Marine Park may be one of Brooklyn's best kept secrets. Much less crowded than either Prospect Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park, Marine Park provides a serene setting to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature - with salt marshes, open fields, and Jamaica Bay always visible in the distance. For seniors who may become overwhelmed in more crowded settings (such as those experiencing dementia), Marine Park's slower paced environment could be very beneficial. The Salt Marsh Nature Trail is relatively flat and very easy to walk on. It winds its way through a very peaceful area providing opportunities to observe wildlife and plants at your own pace. Also located in Marine Park are several large picnic shelters that are shaded. This would be a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal with family members/caregivers. Since Marine Park has ample free parking available, this could be another plus for seniors who have trouble accessing transportation. Practical Tips to Make Your Senior’s Park Experience Both Safe & Enjoyable While all three of Brooklyn’s parks are wonderful places to explore, we want to share a few tips that will ensure your senior enjoys his/her time exploring and taking advantage of these parks while minimizing risks. First, please try to schedule your outings during the cool morning hours or late afternoon/early evening when possible. Avoid scheduling your outings during the hottest period of the day (between 11 am – 4 pm). Please dress your senior in comfortable shoes with good traction; apply sunscreen liberally; and don’t forget a hat. Bring bottled water, any necessary medication(s); and consider bringing a small snack for longer trips. Additional Considerations During Your Visit When you arrive at one of the parks for an outing with your senior: Please take periodic breaks (every 20 – 30 min.) for your senior to sit down; Let your senior set the pace for your walk. Don’t rush him/her; Be aware of any signs that indicate your senior may be feeling fatigued, dizzy, etc., or suffering from excessive heat exposure; Encourage your senior to look at/note items in their surrounding environment. Pointing out interesting things such as birds, flowers, buildings, etc., may stimulate conversation/sensory awareness and improve memories for seniors with memory loss. How Angel Care Can Assist At Angel Care, assisting our clients with their outdoor adventures is certainly one of the greatest joys of being a caregiver. Regardless if you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll around Prospect Park Lake; watch the sailboats go by from Pier One at Brooklyn Bridge Park; or spend an afternoon enjoying the peace and tranquility of Marine Park; our caring staff will assist with ensuring each adventure is both fun and safe for everyone involved. In addition to planning each route according to your senior’s mobility needs; helping manage hydration/rest periods; arranging accessible transportation; and keeping you informed about each trip - our goal is to create a positive and stress-free experience for all parties involved. Contact us today to learn how Angel Care can support your senior in maximizing their outdoor experiences this summer!
