In-home care can be a great way to give an aging loved one the ability to keep living where they are most comfortable while receiving the help that they need as their self-care abilities fade.
While many people’s ability to perform activities of daily living can decline over time, this type of assistance is particularly important in patients who have dementia and those whose family members are unable to provide support in person around the clock. Having 24-hour senior care can give families significant peace of mind that their loved one’s needs are being met while still allowing them to feel an important degree of independence.
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Signs It Might Be Time For 24-Hour Home Care
If you are growing concerned about your loved one’s ability to take care of themselves, it may be time to start 24-hour home care or transition from hourly care to care around the clock. Although it can be difficult to accept that your loved one is experiencing limitations, getting them help as early as possible can improve their quality of life dramatically.
Outlined below is a list of some of the signs that may indicate it is time to consider arranging 24-hour home care for your loved one.
Frequent Falls Or Loss Of Balance
When a loved one begins to fall frequently or their balance appears compromised, it is a strong sign that it is time for 24-hour home care, whether these balance issues are the result of dementia, an accident or a neurological problem. An elderly person who falls may not be able to get up without assistance and they may seriously injure themselves, so having constant supervision is essential.
24-hour caregivers can help patients to get in and out of bed and take care of toileting and bathing, which can be risky activities for those who have balance issues. They can also help with decluttering. For example, they may be able to rearrange rugs and other obstacles on the floor that could pose falling hazards and suggest improvements to the lighting in the room to improve visibility around objects that cannot be moved. They can also accompany your loved one on walks and other outings to ensure they can experience the benefits of exercise safely.
Difficulty Eating Or Drinking Without Assistance
If a loved one struggles to eat or drink without assistance, they could be at risk of severe dehydration or malnutrition. Around-the-clock care can help ensure that your loved one is getting the nourishment they need. In addition, if they are no longer able to prepare their own meals safely, home care providers can help with meal planning, cooking and feeding. This can also help to prevent kitchen accidents such as burns and fires.
Caregivers can also remind your loved one to drink throughout the day and make sure they are eating and taking their medications correctly and on schedule.
Recent Hospitalization Or Rehabilitation
24-hour in-home care is a good idea following a recent hospitalization or a stay in a rehabilitation facility. As the patient recovers from a major operation or an incident such as a hip fracture, heart attack or stroke, constant care can help make their recovery safer and smoother.
Having a caregiver on hand to notice any changes during a patient’s recovery may help prevent serious problems. For example, a caregiver can notice issues like urinary tract infections and get the patient help before it gets worse.
Afraid To Leave Them Alone At Night
When your loved one reaches the point where you are afraid to leave them alone at night or you are unable to get adequate sleep because of all the time you spend tending to their nighttime needs, 24-hour care can help everyone get sufficient rest.
Overnight help can give families significant peace of mind and reduce worries about what might happen to your loved one when you are not present. Even trips to the bathroom can be dangerous during the evening, and having a caregiver on hand who can help them with any issues that arise or call for emergency assistance when required can make all the difference.
Getting Lost More Frequently
Another sign that more intensive assistance is needed is when your elderly loved one begins getting lost more frequently. Perhaps they become confused or lost while they are out and about, or maybe they are wandering away from home without being fully cognizant of their actions. In all of these cases, having constant supervision can help your loved one avoid encountering trouble or getting injured and being unable to seek help.
People who are suffering from dementia may become disoriented and lose their sense of time and place, which can make them quite agitated. Having a constant reassuring presence can help their state of mind. Caregivers may also engage them in activities that can improve their quality of life.
In addition, spending time with a caregiver can improve socialization to help stave off the devastating effects of isolation. Studies have shown that socialization can help to prevent cognitive decline in elderly people, improving their mood and reducing agitation.
Talk With Us About 24-Hour Home Care
Many people say that they wish to age in their own home, and 24-hour senior care can allow people to stay at home safely instead of going to a retirement home. If you believe that your loved one can benefit from these services, it is best to be proactive rather than waiting for a crisis to occur.
For peace of mind and security, coordinating 24-hour care through a licensed, bonded and secured agency is recommended. Home care agencies will match your loved one with caregivers who are a good fit for their personality as well as their needs.
If your loved one is in need of 24-hour home care, get in touch with the friendly team at Comfort Home Care to find out more about their award-winning service. Our skilled and dedicated care providers will assist your loved one with 6 activities of daily living at home and help them stay as comfortable, safe and happy as possible.
