Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of injury, disability, and death throughout the United States. In fact, experts estimate that more than 30 percent of injury-related deaths include TBI as a contributing factor. As a family caregiver it is important to not only recognize the dangers that TBI can pose to your aging parent, but also know what you can do to protect them from these potentially devastating injuries. This starts with recognizing the risk factors that your parent faces so that you can adapt your care routine to help them to avoid these risk factors, as well as prepare yourself to give them the type of care that they might need in the event that they do experience this type of injury during their later years.
Some risk factors for TBI include:
- Being over the age of 60, with the risk increasing with age
- Being male
- Taking medications that can cause dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mobility issues
- Balance problems
- Vision problems that can increase the risk of falling
- Cognitive functioning decline
- Osteoporosis
If your aging parent is at increased risk of suffering a TBI, it is important to take steps to protect them. Starting elder care for them can help to reduce this risk, including reducing the chances that they will suffer a fall. If they are experiencing more falls recently, consider talking to their doctor about changing medications or ways that they can address their dizziness or other impact to reduce the chances of a fall.
Starting elder care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to enhance their quality of life, support their ongoing health and well-being, and encourage more independence and fulfillment as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a schedule that is right for them and for you, allowing you to continue to give your parent as much care and support as you are able while also giving you more flexibility and freedom in your schedule to enable you to focus on your other obligations. This means that your parent will get everything that they need to stay healthy, happy, safe, and comfortable, and that you will experience less stress and a healthier lifestyle. Services the elder care provider can offer to your parent include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, help with housekeeping tasks, mobility support, companionship, medication reminders, and more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Lansing, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.