What You Should Know About Taking Care Of An Aging Relative

Getting older is part of life, and as we age we experience both physical and cognitive changes. If you're helping take care of an aging relative, it's important to know what they're going through and which symptoms are cause for concern.

Banner Health sets the standard for geriatric medicine, proudly serving the more than 100,000 seniors living in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Dr. Nimit Agarwal, M.D., Division Chief of Geriatrics at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix and the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, leads a geriatrics team of doctors, gerontology nurse practitioners, nutritionists, nurse managers, pharmacists, case managers, social workers and therapists who work together to improve the outcomes for patients older than 65.

We asked Dr. Agarwal to provide some practical tips for seniors and the people who care for them.

It's Important to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

"If older adults are not involved in a regular exercise program, they can lose muscle strength, which can lead to frailty," Dr. Agarwal says. When an older adult with frailty is admitted to the hospital, he or she is at "higher risk of developing complications and becoming de-conditioned as compared to non-frail elders," Dr. Agarwal says.

That's why the American Geriatrics Society recommends older adults with normal cognition and functional status perform at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. Dr. Agarwal notes this activity, along with stretching, balance training and weight lifting, helps improve older adults' health and prevent heart diseases, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Seniors Should Seek to Stay Mentally Active

According to Dr. Agarwal, learning new skills such as a new game, or studying a new language, is a great way to exercise your brain. Some research has shown that staying mentally active may help to delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

It's also important for older adults to socialize. Studies have shown having little or no contact with other people can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Don't Ignore These Symptoms

When dealing with aging parents, it's important to spot the difference between a 'senior moment' and something more serious. Dr. Agarwal says while the "ability to make new memories is decreased as part of normal aging, this usually does not cause any problems in day-to-day activity."

If someone can't remember people's names quite as well they used to, this typically isn't cause for concern. But as Dr. Agarwal notes, there are some red flags that could be signs of dementia. These include:

• The ability to lose direction in familiar surroundings
• Forgetting to turn the stove off after cooking
• Difficulty performing common tasks, such as using the telephone or remote control
• Changes in mood or behavior — ranging from depressed or withdrawn, to becoming irritable and upset easily.

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms consistently, Dr. Agarwal recommends making an appointment with your primary care physician. He or she knows your medical history and, if needed, can refer you to a geriatrician.

Geriatricians are doctors who are experts in managing the health of older adults. As Dr. Agarwal notes, geriatricians are experienced in diagnosing and managing dementia, which is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease. Geriatricians can also help with long-term planning for families whose loved ones have dementia.

While there are no significant prevention methods for Alzheimer's, Dr. Agarwal says researchers are studying whether exercising regularly, learning new skills, avoiding head injury and preventing depression can help prevent the disease.

Caregivers Need Support, Too

Caring for an aging relative — particularly one suffering from dementia — can be stressful and overwhelming. Experts from Banner Alzheimer's Institute recommend caregivers give themselves permission to take care of their own needs while also caring for their loved one.

Other strategies to consider include:

• Asking for help and accepting it
• Making a conscious decision to be OK with unanswered questions and unfixable problems
• Connecting with others who can be fully present (particularly as your relationship with the person you're caring for becomes more one-sided)
• Acknowledging sadness as it comes and allowing yourself to grieve
• Sharing your feelings with supportive friends, a support group or a health care professional

Why Turn to Banner Health for Senior Care?

The caring, experienced geriatric specialists at these Banner Health facilities help seniors maintain their health, independence and quality of life while providing support for caregivers upon patient discharge.

Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix: Led by Dr. Agarwal, the geriatrics team provides a comfortable experience to seniors who arrive in the emergency department at this hospital. Using an interdisciplinary model of care called Acute Care of Elders (ACE), the entire staff works together to provide highly coordinated, compassionate care for seniors.

Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix offers extensive services in its geriatrics department, including the treatment of memory disorders, osteoporosis, medication-related issues, urinary problems, depression and end-of-life issues. It is the first and only facility in Arizona to earn accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians' Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program.

Banner Alzheimer's Institute: Also located in Phoenix, Banner Alzheimer's Institute has introduced a new standard of care that provides ongoing hope and help for people with Alzheimer's/dementia and their families. Its established comprehensive dementia care models, programs and services address both the medical and non-medical needs of patients and caregivers.

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center: The Banner Olive Branch Senior Center offers a variety of social and educational activities as well as delicious and nutritious meals for residents age 60 and older in the Sun City, AZ. The facility offers benefits check-ups, blood pressure checks, classes, counseling, educational events, health screenings, legal assistance, meal programs, trips and entertainment.

Learn More About Geriatric Medicine at Banner Health

More from Banner Health:
How To Make Your Family's Health Checklist
What Is Your Office Doing To Your Health?
How To Seek Help If You're Suffering From Depression Or Anxiety

Sources:
When Is Normal Aging Really Something Serious?
Banner Alzheimer's Institute Resources & Care T.I.P.S