How Can I Tell if My Aging Parent Requires Live-In Care?

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Can I Tell if My Aging Parent Need Live-In Care in Richmond, VA

Many aging adults cherish their independence and are resistant to change. However, if your senior loved one displays certain signs or behaviors, you may need to consider a live-in home caregiver. Here are some ways to tell if your loved one needs live-in care.

Neglecting Household Chores

If your loved one’s home is unkempt on a regular basis, he or she may need a live-in caregiver. Dirty dishes that sit in the sink for too long can attract insects, while accumulating garbage in the kitchen can cause odors and poor air quality. The caregiver can make sure the dishes are washed in a timely manner and the trash cans are emptied before odors develop. Also, if laundry isn’t done on a timely basis, your loved one may not have enough clean clothing to wear. Seniors need to live in clean environments to thrive. Living in a messy or cluttered home may cause anxiety, confusion, and depression, and live-in care may be necessary if your loved one is unable to keep up with household chores.

Poor Hygiene

Signs of poor hygiene include untrimmed or dirty nails, unwashed or uncombed hair, poor oral health, soiled clothes, and pervasive body odor. An in-home caregiver can give your loved one a bath or shower as needed, brush and floss the teeth, trim the nails, and make sure your loved one wears clean clothes. A live-in caregiver can also monitor the condition of your loved one’s skin so skin breakdown can be detected and treated by a physician as soon as possible. Your loved one may be unaware of a stasis ulcer on the ankle or decubitus ulcer on the heel, and if left untreated, these wounds may get infected.

Hygiene issues are among the most common reasons aging adults need assistance, and a professional caregiver can be a wonderful asset. Richmond home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Severe Weight Loss

Weight loss in seniors may indicate the presence of illness or cognitive decline. The first thing that needs to be done if your loved one has unexplained weight loss is to make an appointment with the doctor. If no organic cause is found for the weight loss, your loved one may need an in-home caregiver to prepare meals and make sure he or she eats. The live-in caregiver can prepare nutrient-dense foods that fulfill your loved one’s daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals. The caregiver can also offer healthy snacks and fluids throughout the day so blood sugar levels remain stable, which is essential if your loved one has diabetes.

Some seniors have difficulty shopping for groceries or making healthy meals for themselves. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Richmond, VA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Mood Disturbances

Mood disturbances such as anxiety or depression may prevent your loved one from managing his or her home or performing activities of normal daily living. Your loved one may feel socially isolated or depressed because of a recently deceased spouse, decreasing health, or concerns about loss of independence. A caregiver can keep your loved one company and take him or her on day trips, which may lift your loved one’s mood and provide the motivation to do more things around the house and pay closer attention to personal hygiene and physical needs.

If you see any of the signs listed above, talk openly with your loved one about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to help. When considering senior care, Richmond, VA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (804) 207-4746 today.

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