Your senior loved one finds comfort in the familiarity of home and the surrounding neighbors and friends. However, at some point your loved one may no longer be able to do everything independently because of age or health conditions. In-home care allows your parent to continue to live at home while getting the help he or she needs. If your loved one exhibits the following signs, it may be time to consider in-home care.
1. Neglected Personal Hygiene and Appearance
Bathing, brushing teeth, flossing, and caring for hair all require dexterity and fine motor skills that may decrease with age. Additionally, many seniors with cognitive decline may forget to care for themselves. If you notice your loved one looks unkempt or is no longer bathing or brushing his or her teeth, an in-home caregiver can assist with hygiene tasks.
Richmond elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Difficulty Caring for the Home
When you visit your parent, take a look at his or her home. Seniors who require additional care may not have a stocked refrigerator, may have piles of dirty laundry, may no longer be cleaning their homes, and may have let home repairs slide. A safe, clean place to live is essential. If your loved one isn’t able to care for his or her home, a housekeeping service or in-home caregiver can help.
3. Financial Difficulties
Your loved one may have prepared well for retirement financially but is no longer able to stay on top of his or her finances, which may result in bills being left unpaid, too much money being given to charitable organizations or family members, or signing up for expensive memberships. An in-home caregiver can inform you if your loved one seems to be facing financial challenges.
Seniors face a variety of challenges as they age, and families don’t always have the time or expertise to provide effective care at home. In Richmond, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
4. Frequent Forgetfulness
Though everyone has moments of forgetfulness, frequent occurrences could be a sign of something more serious. If your parent has a difficult time remembering to take medications, pay bills, or care for a pet, an in-home caregiver can help. Talk with your loved one’s doctor to determine if there’s a medical reason for the forgetfulness.
5. Poor Physical Health
During visits, you may notice your loved one looks thinner or has bruises. Your loved one may no longer be able to cook, which can result in weight loss. Bruising could be an indication of a fall. An in-home caregiver can cook for your loved one and assist with mobility to prevent falls.
6. Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
If your loved one used to enjoy gardening, photography, or reading and no longer engages in these activities, it could be due to more than just a shift in interests. Seniors with cognitive decline or emotional health disorders may no longer enjoy hobbies and interests they once did.
7. Driving Difficulties
As your parent ages, he or she may no longer be able to drive safely. Signs of driving issues include unexplained dents and scratches on the car, traffic citations, and accidents.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. Richmond families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. To hire a reliable and friendly caregiver, call Home Care Assistance today at (804) 207-4746.