As your family members get older, their needs change. Whether you’re actively caring for a loved one or simply want to know what support is available, the primary care team at AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital is here to guide you.
To best take care of your loved ones as they age, it’s important to first understand what mental and physical challenges they may face.
As people age, everyday tasks like moving around the house, getting dressed, and making meals can become more difficult. Some signs that your family member may need more support include:
Regular doctor visits and a little extra help at home through eldercare services can improve patients’ safety, comfort, and well-being.
“It can be hard to help loved ones understand why they may not be able to do things the same way they used to,” said Danielle Papincak, DO, internal medicine physician at Allegheny Valley Hospital. “We help family members create a safe, supportive environment so their loved ones feel cared for and more confident in daily life.”
In addition to physical changes, some people also face changes in memory, communication, or mood as they age. These may be signs of a cognitive disorder. Common types include:
While these conditions don’t have one clear cause, healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and not smoking may help lower the risk.
If your loved one is diagnosed with a cognitive disorder, doctors at Allegheny Valley can talk with you about ways to support them, and how to use tools like calendars or alarms to help them remember daily tasks.
Allegheny Valley’s primary care approach is designed to treat every aspect of your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The team offers many resources to tailor care to their needs, including:
The team can also support you in making decisions about assisted living, skilled nursing care, and, as your loved one nears the end of their life, hospice care. They will talk with you about what environment is safest for your loved one as they age, and how to discuss the transition with them.
“Talking with aging family members about whether it’s still safe for them to live at home can be very hard,” said Dr. Papincak. “We help caregivers be as informed as possible about living options for their parents or grandparents, so they can make the right decision with their family.”
AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital’s primary care team is here to help you feel more supported in caring for your loved ones as they get older. Learn more about Allegheny Valley’s personalized care services for families.
Danielle Papincak, DO, is an internal medicine physician, specializing in primary care. She provides patient-centered care for preventive exams, ongoing conditions, illness, or injuries and applies best-practice techniques to help ensure long-term patient outcomes.
Allegheny Valley Hospital provides health care services, education, and support to more than 160,000 residents in portions of Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties.