At some point or another, every couple must tackle the topic of getting older and healthcare. For many couples, this means talking about personal care options that can help them both navigate the challenges of living longer.
Personal care can take many forms, from in-home support services to personal care homes. They can account for individual needs, allowing couples to stay together, which may prevent separation anxiety.
Whatever your loved one’s needs may be, discussing personal care options as a couple is important. Doing so allows them to receive the care they need as they age gracefully together.
Can Couples Live Together In a Personal Care Home?
One of the great benefits of personal care services for couples is that it allows seniors to remain together if they choose. Choosing a personal care home for your loved one will enable them to live in a comfortable, communal setting with other seniors.
Personal care aims to provide individuals with the support and assistance they need to live a quality life with dignity and independence.
Personal Care & Independent Living Apartments
Suppose your loved ones don’t require additional care. In that case, they may choose to live in an independent living apartment to simplify their lifestyle, join a built-in community, and take advantage of all the benefits of personal care homes.
Personal care apartments tend to be simpler but have all the necessities to make it feel like home.
How Can Personal Care for Couples Help?
Personal care services for seniors can also provide opportunities for couples to stay active and engaged with one another. For example, couples may attend senior social events or participate in activities together. This can be great for seniors who may otherwise have few opportunities to connect with others and may even help to prevent feelings of isolation and depression.
Support Different Levels of Care
When caring for couples, it’s essential to acknowledge that each individual may have different care needs. One partner may require help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing, while the other may need assistance with mobility or medication management.
Personal care for couples is designed to accommodate these different needs while providing an overall sense of togetherness. Caregivers can work around each partner’s care schedule, provide joint activities to share, and establish that each partner’s unique needs are met.
Prevents Separation Anxiety & Isolation
As couples age, the risk of separation anxiety and isolation increases. This can worsen pre-existing conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, leading to further distress and confusion. However, personal care for couples can help break the cycle of loneliness and increase socialization.
The right personal care home can provide couples with meaningful social interactions, joint activities, and opportunities to enjoy each other’s company in a comfortable environment.
How Can You Tell When Your Loved Ones Need Extra Support?
It’s natural to feel concerned about your loved ones’ well-being and want to do everything you can to support them. However, recognizing when your loved ones need extra support can be difficult. It may be challenging for them to accept that they need help, and they may try to hide their struggles. However, some signs can indicate that your loved one may need personal care support.
Struggle with Basic Tasks
Paying attention to the basic daily activities of your loved ones can help you assess their level of independence. If they struggle to cook, clean, do laundry, or even manage their medications, this could be a sign that they need extra support. If you notice that your loved one has lost weight unintentionally, it could be due to difficulty cooking or eating, which is a sign that they need help.
Changes in Behavior
Older adults may also experience mood swings, irritability, or depression, especially if they have limited ability to leave the house or participate in activities they used to enjoy. Withdrawal from social activities or engaging less often than they used to could be a sign that they need extra support. Activities and social opportunities at a personal care home can help support positive mental health.
Fall Risks
Falls are a common problem among older adults, and they can cause serious injuries or lead to mobility issues. If your loved one has trouble walking, they may need extra support and a mobility device, such as a walker or cane.
Increased Need for Medical Assistance
As your loved ones age, they may experience more medical problems that require ongoing treatment and management. If you notice that your loved one has frequent doctor visits or takes multiple medications daily that they can’t manage independently, extra help from personal care can prioritize their health.
Visit Juniper Village at Brookline for a Tour
Choosing a personal care home is the first step—bring your loved ones for a tour of Juniper Village at Brookline and talk to the dedicated staff about how we can help support couples who want to enjoy their years together. Contact us today.