Dealing with Sensory Changes – What Patients and Caregivers Need to Know

You may already be familiar with some of the dietary changes that accompany the aging process. As we get old, we often lose the ability to hear certain tones or pick up certain frequencies. Some of us will even need to wear a hearing aid to understand normal speech and function in our daily lives. Vision can also suffer as we get older. Many senior citizens develop cataracts that obscure their vision and cause things to look blurry. As the cataracts get worse, surgery is often the only option to restore sight and preserve the ability to drive, read and function normally. Other vision changes are more serious, and that is why it is so important for seniors to get regular eye care exams. Changes to the macula can reduce visual acuity and even lead to blindness, but early intervention and treatment can make a big difference. If you are suffering from any loss of vision or hearing, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. If you find that you need help to maintain your independent lifestyle, BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can help you cope and make your life easier. We specialize in all aspects of personal care, from help with companionship and meal preparation services to more advanced elder care and home health care. No matter what you need to maintain your independence, BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can help. BrightStar Care of Delray Beach also has experience with more unusual sensory changes. You already know about the visual acuity and hearing sensitivity changes that aging sometimes brings, but many older people also experience changes in their sense of smell and taste. Sometimes these changes are quite benign, but they can still have an impact on the individual’s life. An older person who with a reduced sense of taste may lose interest in cooking and suffer nutritional problems as a result. A senior with an impaired sense of smell may be unable to detect a gas leak or other problem around the home. As with other sensory changes, the staff at BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can help seniors cope with these unusual sensory changes. From in-home care to specialized services (such as dementia care), we can help you deal with even the most unusual changes to your senses and the way you perceive the world. While BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can help you cope with the effects of dietary changes, it is important to talk to your doctor about any other sensory changes. Some illnesses can cause sensory changes like alterations in taste and smell, so it is important to rule out a serious problem by talking to your doctor. Once you have a complete diagnosis, BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can help you develop a treatment plan that makes sense for you and your family.