The holiday season is a time when many families spend extra time with one another. But unfortunately, some may start noticing that grandma isn’t as sharp as she used to be or grandpa may have lost some weight and isn’t eating like he used to. These indicators can help you determine if they need some extra help, especially if they live alone or if their partner is also experiencing a decline in cognitive or physical function. So, now that this holiday season has nearly come to an end, be sure to reevaluate your loved one’s situation to see if you notice the need this year. They may just need an in-home caregiver to help them maintain their independence and age in place comfortably.
It’s most common for people to initially lose cognitive function and mobility due to age and age-related diseases. There are some telltale signs to look out for when you are with your loved one that can indicate the need for extra help.
Memory loss, asking questions over and over again, or repeatedly locking themselves out of the house could be early signs of dementia. Hygiene deterioration can also be a sign that they may need help. Do they look disheveled, are they wearing dirty clothes, or do they appear to be skipping bathtime? Loss of balance or dexterity are also signs that extra help is needed. Falling is a leading cause of injuries in seniors, so it’s important to pay attention to their ability to walk, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles. An often overlooked need for extra help is socialization. Many seniors aren’t able to drive themselves to social functions or may have lost friends and no longer socialize like they once did. Lack of socialization can cause depression and feelings of loneliness in seniors and even though they may be mentally and physically ok, they may still benefit from having an in-home caregiver to interact with them and take them places.
15 questions to ask yourself when considering if your elderly relative or loved one might need some extra help:
- Are they able to get around on their own easily?
- Are they able to dress themselves and change into clean clothes as appropriate?
- Are they able to cook for themselves and are they eating enough?
- Is there a decline in personal hygiene?
- Are they experiencing balance or strength issues? Spilling or dropping things? Holding on to furniture or walls for support?
- Do they have injuries like bruises or burns?
- Have the lost or gained weight?
- Is their weekly pill dispenser still full?
- Is there a change in the cleanliness of their home?
- Is there a lot of moldy or spoiled food in their fridge?
- Have you noticed any memory loss or confusion?
- Are they repeating themselves?
- Do they get agitated or angry easily?
- Have you noticed general negligence around their home like; burns, dents, or scratches?
- Have you noticed any balance issues when they’re walking or climbing stairs?
If you answered yes to some or most of these, it may be time to explore the idea of getting some help for your loved one. In-home caregivers are more than just caregivers, they can also be companions. A caregiver can help with housekeeping, hygiene, medication, and keeping seniors active physically and psychologically. They can also provide transportation to social outings or spend time with seniors in their own home to play games or help with hobbies to prevent loneliness and the feeling of isolation.
If you determine that your loved one needs some extra care, be sure to keep them involved in the decision. Keeping them involved helps to preserve their dignity and will be beneficial for finding a service and caregiver that is the best fit for them.
Are you looking for In-Home Care for your loved one this holiday season?
Superior Senior Care is Arkansas’s oldest, most trusted name in in-home care services. We prioritize your peace of mind. We offer referrals for a variety of levels of elderly care and services, with both short and long-term options. All the senior caregivers on our registry undergo thorough screenings and comprehensive background checks. And they are trained to work with clients in everything from household duties to grocery shopping. We’ve helped families with a variety of chronic conditions including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, lung disease and more.
For more information on our home health services offering, please contact us today at (888) 503-5879 or visit our website at https://www.superiorseniorcare.com/our-services/
As the first accredited registry in Arkansas, we have more than 35 years of experience and thousands of happy customers. Access to our large client registry means stability for you and the best chance to match you with just the right family. Interested in becoming a caregiver on our registry? Fill out and electronically submit our pre-screening referral application here: https://www.superiorseniorcare.com/caregiving-opportunities/
Add Comment