Social Determinants of Health and Other Risk Factors Management for Seniors: Private Duty Non-Medical In-Home Care in Action

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are social, economic, and environmental factors that assist seniors in staying healthy as they age. These factors include access to nutritious food, good housing, stable income, a reliable transport system, and good health care. Seniors who struggle with SDOH and related risk factors are always prone to dangers such as morbidity, mortality, and poor health in general.

Seniors can experience adverse effects on their health due to SDOH factors and other risks associated with it. Their ability to stay independent and successfully age in place is particularly affected by the SDOH factors. Here is how providing in-home care services help seniors successfully age in place by addressing social determinants (and micro-social determinants) of health:

Meal Planning and Preparation

Access to nutritious food is essential for ensuring that risk factors such as malnutrition are properly addressed and managed. Seniors need nutritious food that is properly and hygienically prepared as well as adequate and regular hydration. Private duty non-medical in home care can help ensure seniors receive adequate nutrition and hydration. Senior Helpers' trained caregivers can assist with meal preparation from the planning stage to shopping, cooking, and serving. 

Medication Reminders

Staying on schedule with medications is essential in ensuring that seniors remain healthy and avoid the risk of serious medical conditions and illnesses. Seniors can sometimes forget to stay on track with their medications and uphold proper schedules for taking them. With the right in-home care support to remind them of when and how to take their medications, seniors can continue to enjoy good health and well-being at home.

Increased Safety 

Seniors aging in place are exposed to risks such as tripping and falling, the danger of disorientation and loss of self, accidental overdose, and many others. Chronic health complications, age-related memory loss, and failing vision can expose seniors to numerous dangers. In-home care can help mitigate these risks and avert potential dangers.

Companionship

Mental well-being is an SDOH that is often easily overlooked. Seniors aging in place need regular companionship and consistent social engagement to stay mentally active and socially vibrant. In-home care can help lessen loneliness and improve the mental health of seniors aging in place.

Exercise

Trained in-home caregivers can help keep a senior vibrant and flexible through help with light exercise. Exercising is a good way to help manage physical health and improve a senior's mobility which is a critical element in autonomy and independence. Exercise also helps keep the seniors happy and in a good mood. It is a key component in successfully aging in place and at home. 

At Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City, we are committed to taking care of the senior members of our society and helping them maintain autonomous, independent, and quality lives and successfully aging in place. We offer our services to all families in the Greater Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas. It would be a privilege to serve you.  Contact us to discuss our available care options.