Dependency: what diseases cause the loss of autonomy?

Dependency what diseases cause the loss of autonomy

Certain illnesses can limit the autonomy of seniors who then more often need to be assisted for their daily activities. What are these pathologies at the origin of the dependence of the elderly?

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The causes of addiction are diverse and multiple. With l’age, it is normal to lose muscle strength, to see or hear less well, to walk with more difficulty, etc. Gradually, this makes certain tasks of everyday life more complicated: shopping, cleaning, preparing meals… And to this is added the risk of falls which increases with age.

Pathologies that increase the risk of addiction

Among the causes of addiction, these are often health problems related to old age. Some illnesses will make it difficult for the patient to carry out their daily activities without the help of a third party. These include:

  • degenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as dementia (Alzheimer’s disease…), or the Parkinson disease which results in a loss of mobility;
  • diseases that affect the joints and lead to mobility problems: osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, etc.;
  • consequences of accidents cerebrovascular (stroke): depending on the extent of the stroke, the patient may lose functions (language, mobility, vision, etc.);
  • fractures, especially those affecting the neck of the femur.

Coping with addiction

When the Old person dependent wishes to stay at home, help becomes essential. Sometimes it is necessary to rethink the lodgingto redevelop it (walk-in shower, raised WC, non-slip floors…), or even to move to a more functional place, for example on one level.

Children are often asked to help their parents physically or materially. Dependency-related costs are high, whether for household help, retirement home costs, or work carried out in the home. There are “dependency” insurance policies that cover part of these costs, provided you have subscribed to it. The elderly also have the possibility of receiving financial assistance from the department: the personalized allowance forautonomy (APA). For housing development work, aid is possible from the Anah (National Housing Agency).

Mutual health insurance for the over 60s

As after 60 years, certain diseases are more to be feared, it is advisable to take out a senior health insurance that targets and strengthens safeguards against potential illnesses while eliminating those that become superfluous. Some mutuals will better cover the hearing aidseyewear, dental care…

Nevertheless, the proposed mutuals, if they are effective from the subscription, are generally of a relatively high cost. In order to accurately compare the rates offered by the various insurance organizations, it is obviously advisable to have quotes drawn up, to use online mutual insurance comparison sites or to contact a broker. To your calculators!

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