4 - Senior Health care / seniors care


Senior health care: What’s involved?

Senior health care is an all encompassing term since the elderly are afflicted with so many illnesses that will determine the type of health care they require. The first thing family members need is information on what to do and where to get help and support.  Some of the issues that are important when talking about senior health care/seniors care include:

* Access to medical care
Access to medical care is very important to seniors, so special care is needed in selecting the best there is in senior health care. One consideration is to ensure that seniors are as close as possible to medical help if the need arises. 

* Access to drugs
Seniors care means ensuring that the elderly have access to any drugs and medication they need as easily as possible at the most affordable cost.  As such seniors and their caregivers should be made aware of the availability of cheaper generic drugs where possible.

* Access to proper residential facilities
Living facilities and nursing homes are an important part of senior health care needs. When planning anything to do with senior care, this must be examined carefully.  Some questions to ask when determining senior care in terms of residence are:

* Can the person live at home with assistance?

* Can the person live at home by themselves?

* Will they need to be placed in a health care facility?

* Can they be moved into an assisted residence facility?

Once these questions are answered deciding on the best residential facility for seniors becomes easier. For one, base on the health care needs of the senior, some facilities can be automatically eliminated, because someone needing assistance has to be placed in a facility that offers this. . 

* In-home care / nursing
In-home nursing as part of senior health care / seniors care is not just medical in nature. Many in-home nursing care programs provide companionship to the elderly. Many elderly persons are shut-ins, that is, they are unable to leave home regularly and strive on having someone to talk to. 

In-home care also provides assistance with transportation, leisure activities, running errands and doing light housework.  

Over all, senior health care is much more than just medical care; seniors care includes the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the elderly.  This means keeping the elderly occupied with creative activities such as crafts, movies and trips where possible. 

The persons taking care of seniors should be suited to the task, as the job of caregiver to the elderly can be extremely demanding and stressful. Seniors care calls for patience and a genuine love for the elderly among us.

Finally, end of life care is an important aspect of senior health care even though it is an unpleasant thought. Making sure that our aged loved ones are well taken care of in their final days is important not only for the seniors but their caregivers as well. 



