Seniors age differently, meaning some can live independently, while others require constant care. Your family will need to monitor your elderly loved one’s daily activities to determine when he or she should receive care at home in addition to regular visits from you and your siblings. Below are some of the warning signs your parent might need in-home care.
1. Poor Hygiene
Failing to bathe each day and take care of their hygiene can put seniors at risk for infections. If you notice your loved one hasn’t bathed, brushed his or her teeth, combed his or her hair, or washed his or her clothing, this could be a warning sign of needing more assistance, including in-home care. Having someone help with grooming and other hygiene necessities could increase your loved one’s quality of life.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive live-in care. Surrey seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
2. Medication Mishaps and Poor Nutrition
Malnutrition and medication mishaps could be a sign your loved one needs in-home care. Your parent must have someone there to help with meal prep and monitor his or her medication practices to boost his or her quality of life and increase longevity.
Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Poor Judgment
When your loved one begins to make irrational choices that impact his or her safety and health, you may need to consider using in-home care. Cognitive impairment and memory loss are typical reasons for poor judgment in older adults, and without proper guidance, poor choices could lead to severe consequences. However, having someone there to assist with the decision-making could make life easier for your parent.
4. Isolation
Skipping occasional activities and family gatherings is nothing to worry about, because your parent may simply not be up to interacting with others on a particular day. However, if social withdrawal becomes common, your loved one could be experiencing depression and chronic stress, which are top factors associated with isolation. Maintaining healthy interactions with others is vital to your loved one’s mental and emotional wellbeing, and in-home care could provide the companionship he or she needs.
5. Unexplainable Scratches and Bruises
Stepping on everyday household items isn’t uncommon, which is why seniors need to maintain clutter-free, clean homes. However, if you notice unexplainable bruises, cuts, and scrapes, your loved one is likely living with something more significant, such as forgetfulness, slower reaction times, and the inability to focus. Use in-home care services to make sure your parent is never alone, especially when you’re at work, on vacation, or unable to step in and provide constant care.
6. Chronic Illnesses
As conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s progress, seniors may have difficulty with memory, language, mobility, and more. As a result, they might need in-home care. Failing to step in could put your loved one’s safety at risk. It may be helpful to speak with your parent’s doctor to learn as much as possible about your loved one’s condition, including the time frames associated with each stage of the disease.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Surrey families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (778) 279-3634.