There comes a time in many seniors’ lives when it becomes necessary for them to receive home care in order to continue living in their home safely and independently. Some families and seniors can be reluctant to bring in care 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, as it is such a drastic change from living independently. When in-home care becomes a necessity not only to ensure your loved one’s safety, but to provide you with much needed and priceless peace of mind, there are several signs that indicate your loved one may need and benefit from 24-hour care. Sign #1: Aggression Dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause aggression in seniors who were once calm and peaceful. Unfortunately, aggression can cause significantly increased problems for caregivers and family members. As your loved one becomes increasingly aggressive, it’s necessary to provide a higher level of care. Considering home care during this difficult time can be a vital move for many families. Not only can a caregiver help calm your loved one down, they can provide them with the support they need to avoid potentially dangerous situations. A caregiver is also less likely to take your loved one’s aggression personally, which can make it easier for them to handle those interactions. Sign #2: Caregiver Stress Caring for a senior loved one can be incredibly stressful. While there are some levels of stress that are accepted as normal, there comes a point where it is time to ask for help. If caregiver stress is mounting to the point that it’s difficult for them to function or if they are no longer able to balance normal responsibilities with the needs associated with caring for their loved one, it may be time to consider home care. Sign #3: Safety Concerns Considering the safety of your loved one when they’re at home is one of the most important issues. Take a look around the house. Are there considerable hazards that could be dangerous for your loved one? Consider stairs, exposed cables, and whether or not they will be able to successfully navigate the home, among other factors. As your loved one’s condition deteriorates, they may wander or struggle to remember that they’re unable to go up the stairs the way they once did. A caregiver can help by offering an extra set of eyes and ears to make sure there is nothing dangerous in the home and take care of tasks that may have gotten more difficult or dangerous for your loved one to complete on their own. Sign #4: Therapies are Required When your loved one has been admitted to the hospital, whether for ongoing medical issues, for surgery, or for another reason, they may require therapy to help them move through the recovery process. They may also be struggling more than usual to take care of basic self-care tasks, to keep up with the house, or to find the motivation to get up and moving instead of sitting around on the couch. Having a caregiver during this difficult time is one way to help encourage your loved one and be sure that they’re getting the help they need. Sign #5: Caregiver Burnout Caregiver burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. Caregivers who have reached this point have moved beyond stress to a point that they are no longer able to take care of basic care tasks. They may feel as though they’re struggling through everyday activities or as though each day is more difficult than the last. When a caregiver reaches the point of burnout, it’s critical for both their health and the health of the senior that additional help be brought in. Elderlink Home Care is a surprisingly affordable way to be sure that your elderly loved one receives the care they need when the time comes to home care at any level. If you have a loved one who is in need of round-the-clock care or even one visit per week, contact us. We’re here to help maintain your loved one’s quality of life and make it easier for you to maintain yours at the same time.
