You undoubtedly know what an orphan is—a child without a parent. But, do you know what an elder orphan is? An elder orphan is defined as an older adult who is childless and without family to care for them in their old age. As of 2016, around 15 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 46 were childless, which is an increase of about 5 percent from 1976. Experts estimate that this number will continue to rise, leaving more seniors without family members to assist them. However, being an elder orphan does not mean that an older adult has no options for help so that they can continue living at home. One way elder orphans can receive the help they need is by contacting an elderly care agency to have professional caregivers visit them on a regular basis. What can an elderly care provider do for elder orphans? Below is just a small sampling of the services that elderly care provides.
Meal Preparation
Elderly care providers can ensure that seniors can continue to eat well even when they have difficulty cooking for themselves. An elderly care provider can prepare meals and snacks that use healthy ingredients. If the older adult enjoys cooking, they can cook with the elderly care provider, so they can still have a hand in making the food they eat.
Transportation
For older adults who are no longer able to drive, elderly care can offer transportation to run errands, like grocery shopping, going to the post office, or picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy. In addition, an elderly care provider can drive them to other locations, such as to their house of worship or to the gym to take an exercise class or use the equipment.
House Cleaning
Having a pleasant and clean environment to live in is important to both physical and emotional health. Elderly care offers light housekeeping services, such as vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping. An elderly care provider can also do dishes, make beds, and do laundry.
Medication Reminders
Many older adults are on regular medications to treat conditions and manage diseases. For seniors who sometimes have trouble remembering to take medications, elderly care providers can remind them when it is time to take medicines, so they do not miss doses. When medications are taken according to schedule and in the proper dosages, seniors can expect to feel better and better manage medical problems.
Sources
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/aging-well/articles/2018-10-12/how-elder-orphans-can-receive-care-as-they-age
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN RALEIGH, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.