South Carolina Senior Care; Five Reasons Assisted Living May be Best Choice

Excerpts from Parent Talk, The nine Conversations to Have With Your Aging Loved One.

By; G. Scott Middleton

Isolation:

" The truth is our quality of life can suffer dramatically if we deprive ourselves of adequate socialization. But in the case of a declining senior adult, especially when the spouse is no longer living, the lack of interaction with others poses one of the greatest and most debilitating threats to their well-being."

Medication:

" For some unfortunate and unknown reason, too many people discount or simply ignore, the importance of ensuring that medicine is taken appropriately. In the United States, the number one reason for hospitalization and serious illness among the elderly is the improper administration of medicines. According to recent federal government research, 55 percent of elderly Americans are not following physician's orders for medication administration."

Nutrition:

"The importance of eating nutritious food increases as adults enter the senior years. Physical limitations and health problems often make it difficult for seniors to maintain a healthy diet. Influenced by a number of factors, poor nutrition contributes to health concerns of 15 to 50 percent of seniors in North America. To complicate matters, the symptoms of an unhealthy or insufficient diet such as weight loss, confusion and dizziness are often mistaken for illness or disease."

Home:

"In general, too many people believe that the needs of a declining adult are best met if the senior is kept at home as long as possible. In most cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Beyond the obvious health and safety issues, a senior left at home becomes increasingly isolated. Regardless of age and abilities, all persons need companionship and human touch. A sedentary life at home often results in significant reduced mental and physical stimulation, which can lead to emotional and bodily breakdowns."

Driving:

"The best way to avoid an accident while operating a vehicle is to be an alert, defensive driver. Defense relies on the ability to observe and predict what is going on around you and being able to react quickly to other drivers' carelessness or negligence. In many cases, these are capabilities that too many senior drivers no longer possess. Split seconds can mean the difference between life and death when struggling to control a 3,000 pound vehicle."

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, York, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia

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