June is a lot more than Father’s Day for aging adults. June is also the month senior care providers have the opportunity to encourage their aging male loved ones to take the time to pay attention to their health and well-being. National Men’s Health Month is a nationwide observation that celebrates that and encourages them and their loved ones to be aware of their health risks, and get educated on the ways that they could take better care of themselves throughout their lives.
If you provide senior care for your aging father or grandfather, you are likely already aware of the potential health risks associated with aging men. Providing care for any of the is important, but would you have dedicated yourself to providing care for an aging man, you encounter challenges in situations different from those of care providers for women. Often aging men are more resistant to care, and are likely to ignore indications of potentially serious health problems. This makes it a critical responsibility of any care provider for an aging man to not only be vigilant of their loved one’s health, but also supportive in that man’s pursuit of ongoing health and well-being.
National Men’s Health Month is all about teaching men that paying attention to their health is essential for them to be the best that they can be. This month is about showing men how they can take care of themselves, and therefore take care of their loved ones better. Aging men face a variety of potential health problems, but many of them are either not aware of the signs of these problems, or are reluctant to look for them. Take June as your opportunity to tell your aging loved one how important it is to you, and how much you want him to take care of this helps that he can be around for a long time to come.
There are many ways that you can make this June in a meaningful National Men’s Health Month. Take the time to enjoy quality activities with the important men in your life, schedule screenings and checkups, and make the commitment to adopt healthier life choices together. Contact the senior care agency in your area to find out where community events are being held so you can get involved. If there are no events planned, get together with some important men in your life and hold your own event.
For more information on the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit that helps senior veterans pay for in-home care services, or if you have a general question about VA Home Care, please don’t hesitate to call Veterans Home Care at 888-314-6075
