Elder Care Houston TX: Spotting Health Problems in Aging Parents

If you’re a baby boomer, you know all too well the worries that accompany aging parents. Learn how to tell normal aging from potential health problems.

By Katherine Lee

Baby boomers who notice changes in their aging parents may wonder what healthy aging really looks like — are the changes they see normal, or do they signal health problems that need to be evaluated by a doctor?

Healthy Aging: Signs to Expect

The aging process will slow down even healthy adults to some degree, though how much and to what extent depends on the individual. As we age, we will not be as quick, and our energy reserves will not be what they were when we were 20.

Even if an older parent doesn’t have any health problems and is experiencing healthy aging, she may still need some help with household tasks through elder care at home as she advances in age. “Even with normal aging, a parent may not be able to get through the day without some help,” says Sharon A. Brangman, MD, president-elect of the American Geriatrics Society and chief of geriatric medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y.

That said, the aging process should not necessarily cause problems in basic functioning. Outside of slowing down physically, people should still be able to balance their checkbook, maintain personal hygiene, and conduct routine tasks. If these activities of daily living are being successfully accomplished, you probably don’t need to worry too much.

Healthy Aging: Signs That Need Evaluation

If you see signs beyond some general slowing of physical function, it’s important to take an aging parent to a doctor — if possible, a geriatric medicine specialist — for an evaluation to uncover what may be causing noticeable changes. Any number of illnesses could be behind worrisome symptoms.

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If you find that your aging parent needs help with elder care at home in the Houston area, contact At Your Side Home Care. Call 832-271-1600 today!

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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