One of the most valued aspects of a person’s life is their ability to maintain their independence. However, as our loved one’s age, there may come a time when seeking professional help is necessary. It is important to understand that pursuing “assistance” does not necessarily mean placing our loved ones in a nursing home. In-home care allows your loved one to continue living comfortably in their own home as they age, while being provided with assistance for their activities of daily living.
Most times, seniors will not be the ones to speak up and admit they need assistance, so it is up to those around them to observe and recognize signs that professional help may be needed. Here is a list of some indicators to look out for that may reveal that it is time to explore in-home care assistance for your loved ones.
1. ​Personality Changes
Seniors may exhibit a short fuse and get easily frustrated as they age. However, if your loved one who is usually easy-going starts to become increasingly irritable, it may be an early sign of some cognitive decline. Patience is important, but safety for yourself and your loved one should always be priority. If the anger outbursts turn into aggressive behavior, you may find in-home care assistance beneficial in managing change in condition.
2. Hygiene
If you notice that a senior in your life has started to appear unkempt, this could be a sign of cognitive decline. Patients who struggle with memory loss may not realize that they have stopped taking care of themselves. If you notice signs that your loved one may be bathing infrequently, it may be time to take steps to address the issue by getting them in-home care support.
3. Forgetfulness
Forgetting to eat meals or take medication can be detrimental to elderly individuals and may lead to other health issues. Caregivers can help reduce the frequency of these events by putting structures in place, such as medication reminders. If you notice your loved one easily gets confused, frequently misplaces things, or misses appointments it may be time to consider getting in-home care assistance.
4. Falling Behind on Chores
If you notice your loved one’s usually clean home has increasingly become disorganized, in-home care staff can step in and help establish a system of organization. Dishes in the sink, a stack of mail, clothes not folded and put away, are just a few signs that in-home care assistance may be necessary. Planning and organizational skills can become overwhelming and challenging as people age, whether it’s due to mobility issues or changes in cognition.
These are just a few of the indicators that it may be time to consider getting in-home care help for your loved one. Don’t wait until an injury happens or a health issue presents itself to get help, be proactive and check out the many in-home care services available at https://www.brightstarcare.com/city-center.