As we grow older, our minds and bodies tend to age at different rates. Some of us slow down physically years before we lose any of our mental quickness. Others stay active well into old age but start to lose their memory earlier. The distinction between physical and cognitive aging can be an issue for friends and family of older adults. Because of this, recognizing and assessing physical and cognitive abilities is crucial in professional home health care. How we distinguish between physical and mental aging has a significant effect on the way we treat our older loved ones. If we confuse symptoms of physical decline as signs of cognitive aging (or vice versa), we can inflict much unintentional damage. On the one hand, we might underestimate our loved ones’ abilities, treating them as less-than-capable adults. On the other, we might miss symptoms of a serious problem, like early-stage Alzheimer’s. An understanding of this distinction is equally vital for senior home care providers. Caregivers who don’t fully understand the difference between physical and mental decline are liable to provide their clients with substandard care. Meanwhile, caregivers who recognize the difference between aging bodies and aging minds can personalize care according to their clients’ needs. Knowledgeable caregivers can also serve as a resource for families, providing advice and guidance about age-related concerns and challenges. This way, families are less likely to confuse signs of physical and cognitive decline, making it easier to care for their loved one. |
AuthorVisiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning in-home care agency that provides high quality home care to seniors and disabled adults in Greater Boston, MA. Archives
July 2022
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