7 Signs That Your Loved One May Require Around-The-Clock Senior Care
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when you should consider hiring around-the-clock senior care. On one hand, you want the best for your elderly loved one and their well-being. On the other hand, you may be struggling with the idea of 24 hour care because you know your loved one wishes to hold on to as much independence as possible. This scenario is common. Often, other factors influence the timing of committing to 24-hour senior care as well: guilt for not being able to dedicate more of your own time, financial concerns, denial of a loved one’s condition, fear of a change in routine, and concern surrounding finding the perfect senior caregiver are also common situations. We’re here to let you in on some common signs that could indicate that your loved one should have around-the-clock care and supervision.
The best time to enlist the help of 24-hour home care assistance is before it’s too late. Seniors, unfortunately, are prone to falls, illness, memory lapses, and other dangerous situations. A single incident could be detrimental to your loved one’s well-being. Here are the top 7 indicators that your loved one may require around-the-clock home care assistance:
- Mobility impairments: As we age, it is natural to experience a decline in ease of mobility. These impairments may affect some seniors more than others. Mobility restrictions can not only make it difficult to complete daily tasks such as cleaning, grooming, bathing, dressing, and taking care of pets, but can also be a danger. Mobility impairments can result in tripping, falling, and in some cases, very serious injuries. Not only would it be helpful to have home care assistance present at all times, but senior-proofing the home with handrails, ramps, and non-slip mats can also help mitigate the risks of injury.
- Chronic health conditions: Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer are, sadly, common among the senior population. These conditions can make daily tasks extremely challenging and often co-occur with symptoms such as extreme fatigue and weakness. As a result, seniors with chronic conditions could be accident-prone and at risk of complications of their condition. In either case, employing the help of a home care agency could give you and your loved one some peace of mind.
- Wandering: Wandering is a common, and terrifying, experience for many seniors with dementia. Confusion resulting in wandering away from the home is so common, in fact, that the Alzheimer’s Association states that 6 out of 10 seniors with dementia will wander at least once. Often, it is a recurring problem. Alarms on doors and windows and home cameras can ease some wandering concerns, but having around-the-clock senior care staff in the home is among the safest measures. Many home care agencies, like Serving Seniors Care, employ senior caregivers with extensive experience in dementia care.
- Medication mismanagement: Medication mismanagement could be, in the worst case, fatal. Accidentally skipping or taking too many necessary medications is very serious. If your loved one has mismanaged medications, around-the-clock senior care should be considered. Home care assistance can help manage prescription schedules so your loved one doesn’t have to worry.
- Requires assistance for eating and drinking: If your loved one struggles to prepare their own meals, physically feed themselves, or keep up on their water intake, it may be time to contact an agency for homecare and discuss 24-hour care. Staying hydrated and well-nourished is crucial for longevity and well-being. A senior caregiver may be able to help shop for nutritious foods, prepare meals, feed your loved one, and ensure that they stay hydrated.
- Frequent loss of bladder or bowel control: This is not just a sanitation issue, incontinence can be dangerous for those who attempt to manage accidents on their own. According to the NHS, up to 50% of falls can be blamed on an incontinence leak. Proper support is required for older adults who struggle with this common health issue.
- Post-surgery, hospitalization, or accident: Monitoring condition, medications, and overall health is imperative for a successful recovery from any injury, accident, or hospitalization. At Serving Seniors Care, many of our staff have been trained at the industry-renowned Kaiser Vallejo Hospital and have extensive experience with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Our team is well-qualified to assist in post-hospitalization care.
It is important to keep in mind that you likely know your loved one best and every individual’s needs when it comes to care will be unique. Getting input from other family members and having an open and honest conversation with your elder relative can help determine if 24-hour care may be right for them.
How We Can Help
When you and your loved one are ready, contact Serving Seniors Care to speak with our director about what our home care agency can do for you. We offer 24 hour care, respite care, and care that works for your schedule and budget. Navigating the ins and outs of senior home care can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Serving Seniors Care, we understand that your loved one needs quality senior care to enjoy their golden years with dignity and comfort for them – and peace of mind for the whole family. At Serving Seniors Care, we take pride in providing the best senior care for your loved ones, whatever level of care they may require.