Family caregivers often find themselves agonizing over when it’s time to bring in home care for their aging adults. There isn’t one specific answer for every situation, but knowing what signs can indicate that your senior is having trouble can help you to find a plan that works for her. Here are a few of the bigger signs that you need to be on the lookout for in your senior’s life.
You’re Noticing Physical Signs
Some of the physical signs that your elderly family member might need home care help could include noticing that she’s moving differently or that she’s looking different. For instance, your elderly family member might seem to be having more mobility issues than she has in the past. Struggling to perform daily tasks that were once easier for her is a big clue. Also, make sure that you look for signs that her appearance has changed, because that could indicate she needs help with dressing and other hygiene concerns.
Her Home Is Showing Signs of Trouble
Pay attention to your elderly family member’s home, too, because it can help you to understand more of what is happening. Keeping up with household tasks inside and outside the house can start to become a big challenge for your senior, and having help from senior care professionals can keep her safe and ensure her home is hygienic.
Your Senior’s Health Is Declining
Has your elderly family member gotten a recent diagnosis that was worse than expected? Whether that’s the case or she’s simply showing signs that her health is declining, having help from home care providers is an important step. They can make her life easier while she finds a new normal with her overall well-being.
Her Cognitive Health Is Changing
Beyond your elderly family member’s physical health, another concern is her cognitive health. If your elderly family member is experiencing cognitive changes, like memory loss or other issues, she directly benefits by having caregivers there with her to offer her assistance. They can help you to keep tabs on how your elderly family member is doing as well.
You Just Have a Feeling
Sometimes you might not be able to see specific signs that there’s something wrong in your elderly family member’s life. That’s especially the case when you don’t live near enough to your senior to be able to visit her as often as you would like. That might mean that you’re relying more on your gut feelings to determine when some changes would be helpful. Even having caregivers stopping by to offer companionship can help you to either confirm what you’re feeling or to at least have more information about the situation.
There are lots of other situations that could indicate that your senior needs some more help. Talk with her about what she needs and how you can put solutions in place for her that keep her safe and happy. Adjusting those plans over time helps you to keep up with changing situations, too.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Millburn, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. (888) 664-1769
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