There may come a time when your aging loved one begins having difficulty performing daily activities. When this happens, it may be time to hire a caregiver. An in-home care provider will provide many services for your loved one, from meal prep to companionship.
A caregiver can be very helpful for seniors who need an extra pair of hands around the house. If you’re unsure if your loved one needs a caregiver, these are some of the signs that will tell you that it’s time to hire an in-home care provider for your elder family member.
Forgetfulness
As your loved one gets older, they’ll naturally become a bit more forgetful. They might sometimes forget where they put their keys, or they may not remember an extended relative’s birthday. But sometimes, seniors have more significant memory problems. For example, they may not be able to remember where they live. If your aging family member is displaying consistent memory problems, it might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. If that’s the case, it may be time to hire an in-home caregiver.
An in-home caregiver will help your loved one who has Alzheimer’s or Dementia when they struggle with the six activities of daily living: bathing, toileting, continence, dressing, walking, and eating. The caregiver will help your loved one with their hygiene, as well as help them get dressed if they’re having difficulty doing that on their own. The caregiver will also make sure that your loved one is taking their medications every day. Plus, the in-home caregiver will help your loved one keep track of doctor’s appointments and be available to transport them to any scheduled appointments.
Difficulty Driving
If you notice unexplained dents or scratches on their car, it may be a sign that they’re starting to have trouble driving. Ask them if they’re getting distracted while they’re on the road, and see if they’re wearing a seatbelt. If you’re still unsure if it’s safe for them to be behind the wheel, ask to go on a short drive with them. After that, if you feel like it’s not a good idea for your them to drive anymore as they continue to age, hire a care service that can drive them around. Or, sign them up for a senior van service that will transport them to their appointments and to local stores.
Social Isolation
It will naturally become harder for your loved one to get out of their house as they get older. They may have more difficulty driving, or going out may simply exhaust them. Because of this, many aging people become withdrawn and socially isolated. If you notice that your loved one seems depressed or lonely, consider hiring a caregiver.
An in-home caregiver can provide companionship for seniors. They’ll go on short walks with them, talk with them, and play games with them. They can visit every day or a few times a week, depending on what will work best for your family. An in-home care provider is a good option for any senior who’s in need of a new friend.
Poor Diet
If you look in your loved one’s fridge and see boxes of pre-made processed food or moldy fruits and vegetables, it could be a sign that they’re having trouble cooking for themselves. It’s important that any senior eats a nutritious diet full of foods that are high in vitamins, fiber, and protein. If your aging family member is unable to make nutritious meals for themselves, consider hiring an in-home care provider. An in-home caregiver will work with you and your loved one to create a meal plan that’s full of healthy dishes that they will thoroughly enjoy.
Large Amounts of Clutter
As your family member ages, they may begin having trouble cleaning up their house. They might start leaving large amounts of dirty laundry in their room, or you may notice that their garbage can is overflowing. There may also be old, expired food in the fridge and dust on the shelves. If you notice that your loved one’s house is beginning to look unkempt, ask if they would like you to hire a housekeeper or an in-home caregiver to help them around the house.
Unexplained Injuries
If you see that your loved one has a mysterious injury, it might be a sign that they’re losing their mobility. Some of these injuries may include:
- Bruises
- Burns
- Cuts
- Limping
- Scratches
Seniors may not want to admit that they’re falling or having difficulty getting around. If this is the case, gently ask them where they got their injuries, and try to get them to explain what happened. Then, ask them to consider hiring a caregiver to monitor them and to make sure that they do not further injure themselves.
Chronic Illnesses
If your aging family member is often sick or has a chronic illness, they will most likely need some extra help. Consider hiring an in-home caregiver to monitor their medication intake and to help around the house. The caregiver can also provide your loved one with companionship when they’re confined to their bed. They can also take care of simple errands. An in-home caregiver can help anyone who is struggling with daily activities.
Choosing an Elder Care Provider for your Loved One
If your family member is displaying any of these signs as they continue to age, it may be time to consider elder care. You can choose between a nursing home, an assisted living facility, and in-home care for your loved one’s elder care. If they don’t want to leave the comforts of their home, an in-home caregiver would be a good choice for them. An in-home caregiver will provide your loved one with companionship, and they will help them with their daily activities.
At Comfort Home Care, we provide customized care plans that are tailored to fit your loved one’s needs. If you have any questions about our in-home care options, contact us through our online form.
