Aphasia is a communication disorder that damages the brain and makes it difficult to communicate. Many seniors are at high risk of developing aphasia, which can occur after a stroke, in the later stages of dementia, or as a result of various other situations. Mississauga home care experts offer a few tips on how you can lower your senior loved one’s chances of developing aphasia.
Do a Safety Assessment of the Home
According to the National Council on Aging, 25 percent of all adults over age 65 fall down every year, and many of these accidents result in brain injuries. If your loved one injures his or her brain, he or she increases the risk of developing aphasia. Taking some time to remove hazards from the home that can lead to tripping is one of the easiest ways to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling. You can also invest in an ergonomic mobility device such as walker or cane.
Encourage Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Strokes take place when blood flow is cut off from the brain, and staying at a healthy weight can drastically reduce your loved one’s risk of having a stroke. In addition to eating healthy, your loved one should try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Some of the ideal exercises for seniors include brisk walks, hiking, gardening, dance classes, water aerobics, and swimming. A large percentage of older adults who experience one or more strokes end up developing some form of aphasia.
Promote Good Hygiene Habits
As your loved one grows older, his or her immune system will no longer be as efficient as it once was, which can make it difficult to fight off the bacteria and pathogens he or she comes into contact with. Good hygiene habits, such as washing the hands multiple times a day with antibacterial soap, are the first line of defense against severe infections that can result in permanent brain damage.
Challenge Cognitive Abilities
Dementia and aphasia are closely related, and all family caregivers in Mississauga should continue to keep their eyes out for any signs of these two conditions. Regularly challenging your loved one’s mental abilities can keep his or her brain healthy and slow the rate of cognitive decline. Some of the ideal options for challenging cognitive abilities include puzzles, board games, and classes designed specifically for seniors. Your loved one should also be screened at least once every few years for dementia-related disorders.
To learn more about senior health and wellness, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia home care Mississauga families trust, and our caregivers are available around the clock to provide mental and social stimulation, assist with exercise, and help with tasks like bathing, grooming, and cooking. Call 905-337-1200 today to learn more about our high-quality at-home care services.