5 Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need 24/7 Home Care
Even if you know your loved one very well, you might not know when they need around-the-clock care. Some of the subtle signs that a person needs help are easy to explain away as normal aging. And if your parent or grandparent is determined to remain independent, they might not be forthcoming about the challenges of aging in place.
24/7 caregivers provide older adults with the extra help they need to remain safe at home. This type of care is also used as a temporary solution when a senior returns home after surgery and needs assistance while recovering.
Are you concerned about a senior in your life who may need support to continue living at home? Look for these signs to determine the best course for you and your loved one.
Decreased Mobility
When an older adult struggles to walk around their home or yard and has to hold on to furniture or the wall to keep their balance, it may no longer be safe for them to live alone. Falling is a leading cause of injury among seniors. Similarly, the fear of falling may prevent a senior from leaving their home, leading to social isolation.
One bad fall can cause long-term medical complications and a complete loss of independence. A professional 24/7 caregiver will be available to assist your loved one at night and to help them leave their home safely. Your loved one will not only enjoy added protection from serious injury but also experience a better quality of life.
Difficulty With Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living (ADLs) include tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower, making meals, and keeping the home tidy. If you notice that your loved one is neglecting basic self-care or their home is in disarray, it may be a sign that they need help.
Keeping up with grooming and household chores isn’t just about appearances; the inability to manage ADLs could lead to medical problems. Seniors need a healthy diet to maintain their strength and keep their immune systems strong. Many have special dietary needs.
An at-home caregiver can help your loved one keep up with ADLs without compromising safety.
Cognitive Decline
Anyone can forget an appointment or misplace their glasses, but when an older adult starts to ask repetitive questions or gets disoriented in familiar settings, dementia could be a concern.
Neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease can escalate quickly, especially without proper medical care. This can put your loved one’s health and safety at risk.
If a senior in your life is showing signs of dementia, including mood and personality changes, and is struggling to find the right words during conversation, it may no longer be safe for them to live alone. Live-in caregivers provide a variety of services, including in-home dementia care.
Increased Medical Attention
Frequent medical appointments and the management of chronic conditions can be a lot for a senior to take care of on their own. Concerns about missing doctor visits or mixing up medications can add stress to a situation that’s already challenging.
A professional caregiver provides support to ensure your loved one gets the medical care they need. They can manage medications, maintain a schedule, and drive your loved one to healthcare appointments.
Knowing someone is there to help your loved one stay on track with medications, wound care, or other health concerns provides peace of mind for everyone.
General Home Safety
Seniors who live alone can become fearful about their safety. What if they fall and no one is there to help? Or what if they leave the stove on and start a fire? Even if the worst never happens, the stress of worrying about an accident can affect your loved one’s quality of life.
In-home caregivers are there to lend an extra hand. Depending on the senior’s needs, they can take over chores like cooking, help your loved one get in and out of the bath, or offer support while your loved one navigates stairs.
Just knowing someone is close by may help your parent or grandparent feel secure enough to continue living at home and enjoying their independence.
The Role of Caregivers in Senior Independence
Many seniors are happier at home in familiar surroundings, but challenges in physical or cognitive health can make it unsafe to live alone. Providing personalized 24-hour care gives your loved one the extra help they need to age on their own terms.
When you’re deciding whether to hire a caregiver, keep in mind the different roles they fill. A live-in caregiver will have a room in the home and stay there, night and day. They perform the duties that have been outlined in your loved one’s care plan.
With 24-hour care, multiple caregivers rotate shifts to ensure your loved one is never alone. This model may be best suited for seniors who need 24-hour supervision from caregivers who are awake and available no matter what time it is.
If you are concerned about a senior loved one’s safety at home, speak to them and their doctor about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to provide continuous supervision, support, and companionship.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
