Signs Your Loved One Needs 24/7 Care: Recognizing the Need for Constant Support
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Signs Your Loved One Needs 24/7 Care: Recognizing the Need for Constant Support

Published On
September 15, 2025
Knowing when your loved one needs 24/7 care is the first step toward ensuring they get the help they deserve. Here are the key signs to look out for:

Increased Falls and Mobility Issues

One of the most obvious signs that your loved one may need 24/7 care is an increase in falls or difficulty moving around. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, and they can happen unexpectedly. If your loved one is experiencing frequent falls, it’s a serious red flag that they need continuous supervision to prevent injury.
Here’s what to watch for:
  • Frequent stumbles or falls: This might include tripping over simple obstacles or losing balance while walking.
  • Difficulty getting up or moving around: If your loved one struggles to get out of bed or a chair, they may need additional support to stay safe.
  • Unsteady walking: Difficulty walking without support can indicate a need for round-the-clock care to ensure their mobility is safely managed.

Medication Mismanagement

Seniors often juggle multiple medications, and it can be tough to keep track of the doses and schedules. If your loved one is forgetting or taking the wrong medications, it can lead to serious health issues. Proper medication management is critical for seniors, and mismanagement can result in adverse effects on their health.
Look out for these signs:
  • Missed doses or taking incorrect medications at the wrong times.
  • Confusion about medication: If they’re unsure about which pill to take or when to take it.
  • Side effects from incorrect dosages: These may include dizziness, fatigue, or even worsening health symptoms.


Wandering or Disorientation

For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, wandering can become a dangerous habit. As the condition progresses, they may wander away from home, get lost, or become disoriented, which can lead to hazardous situations. 24/7 care ensures someone is always there to supervise and guide them, preventing these kinds of risks.
Key signs include:
  • Getting lost in familiar places: If your loved one can’t remember the way home or gets confused in places they’ve been a hundred times.
  • Leaving the house without telling anyone: Wandering out of the house without realizing the danger.
  • Increased confusion or agitation: If they seem more confused than usual or are acting out in ways they didn’t before.

Chronic Health Issues Requiring Constant Supervision

Many seniors have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory problems. While these conditions can often be managed with the right care, 24/7 care may be necessary when they start to worsen or require continuous monitoring. Having someone there at all times can help with managing these conditions and reducing the risk of health emergencies.
Signs that chronic health issues require 24/7 care:
  • Frequent doctor visits or hospitalizations: If your loved one’s health issues are becoming more frequent or severe, they may need more constant care.
  • Inability to manage health independently: They may need assistance with medication, monitoring vitals, or daily health management.
  • Uncontrolled symptoms: Chronic conditions that are no longer manageable without constant oversight.

Elderly Safety and In-Home Support: The Benefits of 24/7 Care

When you choose 24/7 care, it’s not just about medical assistance—it’s about ensuring elderly safety and in-home support. Having a professional caregiver around at all times means you don’t have to worry about the risks that come with seniors living alone.
Benefits of 24/7 care include:
  • Preventing falls and injuries: Caregivers are there to support your loved one with mobility, ensuring they’re safe while moving around.
  • Better health management: Caregivers can monitor your loved one’s health, ensuring that medications are taken on time and health conditions are closely managed.
  • Reduced stress for family members: Knowing your loved one is always in good hands can alleviate the burden on family caregivers.


Caregiver Burnout Prevention: Taking Care of the Caregiver

Taking care of a loved one, especially with significant health needs, can be exhausting. Caregiver burnout is real, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to consider 24/7 care. Having professional caregivers helps distribute the responsibility, ensuring you don’t bear the entire weight of your loved one’s care.
Signs of caregiver burnout include:
  • Exhaustion or irritability: Feeling drained or frustrated after trying to manage care on your own.
  • Physical and emotional strain: Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or back pain, or emotional strain like anxiety or depression.
  • Guilt or reluctance: Feeling guilty about asking for help or hesitant to seek outside care for your loved one.

How Salt Lake City Home Care Can Help FAQ

If you live in the Salt Lake City area, Salt Lake City home care services can be an excellent solution for your loved one’s 24/7 care needs. With professional, compassionate caregivers available around the clock, you can ensure your loved one is well cared for in the comfort of their own home.
The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Caregivers provide constant supervision, so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is getting the right care at all times.

FAQ

1. How do I know if my loved one needs 24/7 care?
Look for signs like frequent falls, medication mismanagement, wandering, and chronic health issues that require continuous monitoring. If these are becoming a concern, it might be time to consider 24/7 care
.


2. Can 24/7 care help with managing chronic conditions?
Yes! 24/7 care
is perfect for seniors with chronic health conditions, as caregivers can help with medication management, health monitoring, and ensuring the condition is properly managed.


3. How can I prevent caregiver burnout?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to consider professional 24/7 care
. Having help from trained caregivers ensures that your loved one is well taken care of while you get the break you need.


4. Does 24/7 care provide companionship?
Absolutely! Many seniors experience loneliness, especially if they’re living with conditions like dementia. 24/7 care
offers companionship, which is important for emotional well-being and mental health.


5. What should I look for in Salt Lake City home care providers?
Look for licensed, experienced caregivers who specialize in elderly safety and in-home support. You’ll want a provider that can offer tailored care plans that address your loved one’s specific needs.


Recognizing the signs that your loved one needs 24/7 care is an essential part of ensuring their safety and well-being. Whether it’s frequent falls, wandering, medication mismanagement, or chronic health concerns, round-the-clock care can provide peace of mind for both seniors and their families.

Contact BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City! 

BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is located at 5320 South 900 East, Suite 280, Salt Lake City, UT, 84117. You may also call us at 801-559-3999. We look forward to hearing from you!