5 WARNING SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR IN HOME CARE
Aging is a complex and often emotional issue amongst families. The signs of aging can be unsettling for all members of the family, children, and parents. Parents may start to constantly forget where they put things, tell you the same stories over and over, or have difficulty completing normal everyday tasks such as cooking or bathing. As you begin to see these and other signs of deterioration, especially with your own parents, it can be difficult to figure out how to move forward. You know that your parents need help, but you also don’t want them to fear or even resent this new stage and loss of independence in their lives.
Whatever the case may be, getting your parents or loved ones the care they need is essential to securing their well-being and safety. Here are some warning signs that your parents might need in-home care.
Difficulty With Mobility
When older adults have trouble completing familiar tasks, such as driving, cooking, or playing games, it may be a sign of decreasing mobility.
As we begin to age, the easy sense of mobility that was once second nature becomes more difficult. Tasks that were once simple, such as standing up or sitting down, become challenging to complete. If your loved ones are having difficulty completing these tasks on their own, they may be in need of assistance.
As these motor skills begin to diminish, an increased risk of falls or injuries can result. This poses a great threat to their overall health and wellness. A caregiver could assist in these situations by providing mobility support and monitoring their movements and wellness.
Increasing Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness can encompass many different spheres. Maybe they are having difficulty remembering things that just happened, such as conversations or events in recent days. They could consistently be asking for the same information over and over, or heavily relying on family members for help with daily reminders. Or they could even also be losing track of dates, seasons, or times, forgetting where they are or how they got there. Another type of forgetfulness is misplacing things or struggling to retrace steps to look for a lost item.
A common symptom of Alzheimer’s, the forgetfulness of your loved ones may have more implications than you realize, and can greatly disrupt the activities of their daily lives. Forgetting to take important pills or to go to essential doctor appointments can have a devastating effect on their health. An in-home care aide can help to identify these symptoms as they progress and get your loved one the care they need.
Change in Personality
A decline in health can lead to mood and personality changes in your loved ones. If they are experiencing mood swings, bouts of sadness, or even aggressive outbursts, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. The onset of dementia can lead to physical or verbal outbursts that can be difficult to manage.
Their mannerisms may also begin to change, like they suddenly aren’t watering the flowers and grass every day, or are leaving dishes and unopened mail piling up. This can mean that there is a lack of desire or strength to keep their homes clean and tidy as they had in the past, resulting in another warning sign that help is needed.
Poor Hygiene and Nutrition
If you notice that your loved one has started gaining or losing weight excessively, is not keeping up with personal hygiene, or is consistently wearing the same clothes and not changing every day, then they may be in need of care.
When the refrigerator starts to fill up with expired food, that may mean that cooking has become challenging. Or, if they haven’t been showering or brushing their teeth, it may be a sign of cognitive impairment.
Other Health Or Personal Issues
Another sign of aging is when loved ones begin to withdraw from social work or activities. If they suddenly start giving up hobbies they used to enjoy or are avoiding social situations, it can lead to isolation and depression.
An in-home caregiver can assist by monitoring the physical and emotional well-being of your loved ones, noting any changes in appearance, health conditions, or general happiness.
WHY CHOOSE IN-HOME HEALTH CARE
SERVICES?
These days many younger families are overly busy with careers and family activities. Families are also no longer staying in close proximity to parents making it difficult to offer assistance. It can be incredibly difficult to watch your parents or loved ones struggle with activities they have had no problem with within their past, especially when they don’t want to ask for help along the way. These warning signs can help you determine if your loved one is in need of care. In-home care services help loved ones and older adults maintain their safety and wellbeing.
Living Well Family Care helps families navigate the difficulties of aging by creating personalized care plans for each situation and need. We seek to ensure the wellbeing of your loved ones and offer family-focused, personalized home care services customized to fit your needs. Call us today to learn more about our home care program.
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