Senior Eye Care Problems and Prevention

by | Aug 23, 2024 | Senior Home Care

As we grow older, maintaining healthy senior eye care becomes more difficult.

Age-related eye diseases and conditions are increasingly common among seniors. However, being proactive about elderly eye care can help prevent or slow the progression of many vision problems.

Common eye problems in senior citizens can include:

  • Elderly eye problems and senior eye care tipsCataracts – A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that causes blurred or dim vision. By age 80, over half of adults either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery.
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – This disease damages the macula, the part of the eye needed for sharp central vision. AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss in those over 60.
  • Glaucoma – This group of diseases damages the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma causes gradual vision loss progression to blindness without treatment.
  • Dry Eye – Tear production reduces with age, causing stinging, burning eyes. Dry eyes can also increase the risk of eye infections.

While some age-related changes are unavoidable, here are some proactive senior eye care steps to to maintain:

  • Get Regular Exams – Annual eye exams allow early detection and treatment of diseases before vision loss occurs. Seniors over 60 may need exams every 6 months.
  • Stop Smoking – Smoking doubles the risk of AMD and cataracts and worsens many other eye diseases.
  • Eat Well – A nutritious diet with omega-3s, vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein supports eye health.
  • Use Proper Lighting – Adequate lighting reduces eye strain. Use brighter lamps/bulbs and add lighting for reading areas.
  • Wear Sunglasses – 100% UV protection sunglasses prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

Don’t ignore vision changes

Promptly see a senior eye health specialist if you experience vision changes, eye pain, double vision, etc. By taking a proactive approach, seniors can help safeguard their vision and maintain quality of life through their golden years. Prioritize eye care as you age!

Are you looking for help to prevent eye problems in seniors you love?

My Choice Home Care can provide 24-hour care, day or night shift care, or hourly care for you or your loved ones. Our team is prepared to conduct an at-home care consultation to work with you and your family to develop a care plan suited for each individual. Send us a message or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.

Prioritizing Senior Mental Health Care At Home

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Senior Home Care

Senior mental health care is important as more and more older people are choosing to age in place rather than staying in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Aging in place provides independence and comfort, however, it does pose some risks to mental health and wellbeing.

Loneliness, cognitive decline, depression and other elderly mental health issues are common in older people who live alone.

senior mental health care to prevent loneliness and depressionSocial isolation is the main mental health danger for elderly people who stay in their homes without proper support systems. People are meant to connect and have significant relationships throughout their lives.

Many elderly persons suffer from loneliness and lack of social participation because of issues such as family being far away, mobility problems, and loss of partners, friends, and peers. Chronic loneliness is a major elderly mental health issue leading to depression and anxiety. It can reduce seniors’ cognitive abilities and general physical health.

Depression is a frequent and neglected senior mental health disorder when living at home.

In some cases poor senior mental health presents as sadness, hopelessness and lack of joy in those certain activities that a person used to enjoy. In others, especially in older men, depression can show itself as irritability, anger, and tiredness. Grieving can also cause its own set of issues. Major family losses, loss of independence, and chronic pain can increase risks of depression in older adults.

Cognitive impairment is another problem.

It usually becomes worse when social isolation generally happens gradually in older adults. Social activities provide seniors with the cognitive activity necessary for maintaining intellect, memory, and other brain functions. Deprived of it, as well as of problems such as older hearing loss that hinders communication, the chances grow that earlier and more severe forms of dementia will set in.

Looking for senior mental health help at home? My Choice Home Care is a senior care service that serves clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Visit MyChoiceHome.Care or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.