Balance Disorders
Stability issues can not only lead to painful stumbles and falls but can also hint at underlying medical concerns. Consistent loss of balance might indicate inner ear damage, stroke, or low blood pressure, for example. The Seniors Helping Seniors® team suggests you or your senior loved one talk to a doctor if you notice the following signs:
- Feeling that the room is spinning
- Experiencing a falling or floating sensation
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion and disorientation
Vision Disorders
Gradually deteriorating eyesight is a normal part of life for many. However, seniors are more susceptible to issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related vision loss. The good news is these conditions can usually be corrected or improved with treatment, medication, or surgery. The following symptoms signal it’s time to talk to an eye doctor:
- Cloudy vision, blind spots, and the appearance of “floaters” or dark shadows
- Abrupt eye pain and tenderness around the temples
- Distorted or double vision
- Red, watery eyes
Insomnia
While developing minor sleep issues is a normal part of aging, insomnia isn’t. Trouble falling or remaining asleep, consistently waking up before the alarm clock, or staying up unusually late happens to everyone from time to time. However, if these patterns persist, or are combined with extreme daytime drowsiness, mood swings and irritability, and difficulty focusing on tasks, there might be a problem.
Dementia
As we age, it can be tough to differentiate normal cognitive decline from something more troublesome. Symptoms of dementia often look like conventional signs of aging, the difference being they are more severe and interfere significantly with the ability to handle daily life.
Here are a few cues that might indicate someone is struggling:
Difficulty completing everyday tasks – inability to follow a recipe, manage bills, and see jobs through to completion.
Confusion about time and place – consistently forgetting the day of the week or not knowing how they arrived somewhere.
Significant personality changes – increased anxiousness, suspicion, confusion, or fear, as well as becoming upset easily and loss of interest in hobbies and social activities.
Seniors Helping Seniors® Lorain County offers specialty care for individuals with Dementia. Contact us to discuss how we can help you or a loved one cope with life’s unexpected changes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
A depressive state that occurs over a particular season, usually, winter when the days are shorter and there’s less sunlight. It shares many of the same symptoms as depression – lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and disrupted sleep patterns – making it hard to differentiate.
The following are a few indicators that someone might be experiencing winter SAD, not depression:
Symptoms last 4 or 5 months, starting in late fall and ending in early spring.
Overeating and weight gain, with a specific craving for carbs.
Feeling like “hibernating” or showing little interest in social activities and hobbies.
Fortunately, those dealing with SAD will start to feel better once the seasons change. In the meantime, however, our Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are here to brighten spirits. If you or a senior loved one is feeling low, let us deliver some heartfelt encouragement and companionship.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
While we’ve all experienced exhaustion after a busy day, most usually are back to normal after a good night’s sleep. For those dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a restful slumber doesn’t mean they’re less tired the next day. If you or a senior loved one has been lacking energy lately, watch for these signs to determine if there might be a more serious issue:
Fatigue lasting 6 months or longer with no apparent cause.
Difficulty concentrating and memory issues.
Physical pain, dizziness, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes.
If you suspect low energy as the result of CFS, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services is here to help. Our caregivers can assist by tackling strenuous daily chores and engaging in stimulating conversation.
Senior home care services to elderly residents throughout the Chicago area is just one beneficial aspect of our services. All of our helpers are also seniors themselves. They have a warmth and understanding that comes from experience and wisdom gained over the years. They are all loving, caring compassionate people who bring joy and companionship to everyone with whom they work. That’s why our seniors often become life-long friends with those who receive our services.
Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services is a leading provider for Senior In Home Care services in Chicago. We make life a little easier for you or a loved one by providing services in the home that include: companionship, light housekeeping, cooking, gardening, transportation assistance, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, assistance with daily errands, activities, and more. Our senior home care services allow elderly adults the opportunity to continue living an independent life in their own home without the need to move.
Call or text Seniors Helping Seniors® Chicago Metro at 312-526-3666.