If your aging parent, spouse, or loved one is happy living independently in their home there will likely come a time when they will need some extra assistance in order to manage daily tasks and chores. Is your aging loved one slowing down? If so, it may be time to consider in-home care. Senior in-home care services are designed to improve the quality of life, safety, and overall happiness of the elderly. These services are often tailored to the unique needs of the individual and their level of mobility and independence. Watch out for these six signs your parent needs assistance so you can bring up the prospect of having an in-home caregiver start helping out.
Dishelved Appearance
Changes in your loved one’s appearance are likely to be one of the first things you notice. It’s fairly common for older citizens to seem disheveled or untidy. A change in look is frequently caused by a person’s inability to care for oneself. Due to mobility or balance challenges, many seniors find it difficult to shower, brush their hair, or wash their clothes on a regular basis. In certain cases, the issue is not a lack of coordination, but rather specific diseases such as depression or the onset of dementia.
Walking with an Unsteady Gait
Have you observed your loved one clinging to the furniture or the walls as they move about the house? Have they suffered a recent fall or several ‘near falls’? In the United States, more than a third of older persons fall each year, with up to 30% of those who fall suffering moderate to severe injuries. These injuries frequently result in a senior’s capacity to live independently being taken away. Your loved one will have a far better chance of staying healthy and in their preferred environment if they can avoid a fall in the first place. When walking, moving, or using stairs, a caregiver can lend a helping hand and act as an extra set of eyes to ensure that the person is safe.
Unexplained Bruising or Injuries
While the occasional scratch or bruise is typically not a reason for alarm, witnessing consistent injuries on your loved one’s body may be. Unknown bumps and abrasions may indicate that the individual is unable to move around the house as easily as they used to. Someone may trip or fall when their mobility or eyesight deteriorates. If you find these sorts of injuries occurring on a regular basis, talk to your loved one about the reason for the bruise or injury and suggest that they seek the assistance of an in-home care provider.
Messy Home
This is another example when you know what is usual for your parent. While some individuals may live comfortably with a little clutter, you should be concerned about significant changes in your parents’ cleaning routine. Dirty dishes, mildew in the bathroom, and garbage on the floor are all indications that your loved one may require in-home care to clean up the living environment and remove health concerns.
Struggling with Meals
Is your loved one no longer interested in preparing or eating regular meals? Perhaps you’ve noticed that they stuff the fridge and then go shopping for goods they already have? While it is normal for our metabolism and appetite to vary as we age, it is critical that older adults consume the calories they require to be strong and healthy.
Hiring a caregiver is a good option if your parent requires help traveling to the grocery store, planning meals, or doesn’t have the energy or capacity to cook. It’s also crucial to note that home care may be tailored to your loved one’s specific requirements and preferences.
No Longer Safe to Drive
Driving is one of our most powerful expressions of independence, but for many older adults, age-related illnesses make it hard to drive safely. It might be tough to ask your loved one to give up the car keys, but having a caregiver accessible a few days a week to help with errands and getting to appointments and social activities can help ease the transition. Some elderly people even like it when others drive since it relieves them that they no longer need to drive to get where they need to go.
What makes In-Home Care Different?
As our loved ones get older, it is common for them to require a change in care. Individuals and their families must determine whether to age in place or migrate to a nursing home or assisted living facility. While nursing homes provide a secure environment for the elderly to receive direct medical care, many seniors prefer to spend their golden years in the comfort of their own home. As a result, many families believe that in-home care services are the best option for their aging loved ones. Choosing in-home care has a lot of advantages.
In-home care services ensure that your loved one gets the one-on-one, tailored attention they require to thrive. The caregiver devotes his or her whole attention to the individual to ensure that all of his or her needs are addressed. In-home care services can also bring peace of mind to families. You may rest easy knowing that your loved one is receiving the high-quality, professional care they need. If your loved one has recently been discharged from the hospital or is suffering from an illness or accident, an in-home care provider may also assist in ensuring a smooth recovery.
If you see any of the signs listed above, talk openly with your loved one about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to help. When considering home care services in Maryland families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Rely on the professionals at Thrive USA Homecare to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (301) 882-4717 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.
