If your aging parent, spouse, or loved one is happy living independently in their home there will likely come a time when they will need some extra help around the home with daily tasks. Family members often step in to provide support, but hiring an in-home caregiver may be necessary at some point to assist with your loved one's increasing care needs.
Home care is provided by a professional caregiver and is typically non-medical support to help older adults lead a safer, healthier, and more independent life as they age in place. Continue reading to learn more about the signs that it may be time to consider in-home care.
Decreased Mobility
Trouble walking and moving around can make it tough to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). Mobility issues can have serious effects, making it tough to safely get around the house (especially if there are stairs), shower, use the restroom, or run errands. This can lead to a host of other problems, including fall-related injuries, UTIs, and malnutrition. A caregiver can offer a caring hand when walking, moving, and climbing stairs, and he/she can serve as an extra set of eyes to ensure that the home is as safe as possible.
By preventing a fall in the first place, your loved one will have a much better chance to remain healthy and in their chosen environment. In-home caregivers can help your loved one get where they need to go and provide valuable companionship.
No Longer Safe to Drive
Driving is one of our greatest acts of independence, but for many older adults there comes a time when age-related conditions make it impossible to drive safely. Asking your loved one to give up the car keys can be difficult but having a caregiver available a few days a week to help with transportation to appointments and social events can ease the transition.
A Decline in Hygiene and Grooming
One of the biggest indicators that your aging parent needs in-home care is a noticeable decline in hygiene and grooming. Typically, hygiene and grooming habits decline when a person is no longer able to keep up with these routines, either physically or due to cognitive impairments.
Personal care assistance can both physically help your aging loved one complete their daily activities as well as help them stick to a routine. In-home caregivers can also help with other hygiene-related ADLs including toileting and bathing.
Increased Forgetfulness
We all forget things sometimes – the time of that appointment, or whatever it is you walked into the room to get. But increasing incidents of forgetfulness over time, especially when it comes to important to-dos like taking medication or paying bills, may indicate that home care help is needed. If your loved one’s memory issues are interfering with their everyday activities and well-being, it’s a good indication that they should see a physician, as these may be signs of cognitive decline. Hiring an in-home caregiver, you can help ensure that your loved one stays on top of their normal activities, despite any cognitive decline.
Difficulty Maintaining One’s Home
Difficulty keeping up with housework is a common indication that an elderly person needs in-home assistance. They may be unable to perform these tasks due to mobility issues, cognitive decline, or even depression. Some signs that your loved one is struggling to keep up with the housework may include dust or grime in areas that used to be clean, excessive clutter, or piles of dirty dishes.
Many in-home caregivers provide housekeeping assistance such as cleaning countertops and appliances, sweeping the floor, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry.
This extra assistance can reduce stress or difficulty around housekeeping, knowing someone is there to support your loved one throughout the day can also bring you peace of mind.
Loss of Interest in Activities and Hobbies
Have you noticed that your loved one no longer seems to enjoy many of the hobbies they once loved? You might notice that your mom or dad’s garden has been neglected or they have even given up more sedentary activities such as knitting, reading, or watching a favorite TV show.
Losing interest in hobbies and activities can be a sign of numerous underlying problems, notably depression, which can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. While an in-home caregiver won’t be able to solve these medical or mental health issues, they can help ensure that your loved one has regular social interaction and companionship, and can provide much-needed help so that your mom or dad is still able to enjoy favorite pastimes.
Struggling with Meals
Has your loved one lost their interest in cooking or stopped eating regular meals? While it is common for metabolism and appetite to change as we age it is important that older adults get the nutrition they need.
Hiring a caregiver is a helpful solution if your parent needs assistance going to the grocery store, making meal plans, or if they don’t have the energy or ability to cook. It’s also important to remember that home care is adaptable to your loved one’s specific needs and wants.
Are you looking for a Home Care Solution?
If you believe that a loved one could benefit from a professional assessment and in-home care, you’ve come to the right place. At Care Around the Block, we offer professional Care Management alongside In-Home Caregiving services in Knoxville, Vonore, and the surrounding areas of East TN. We pride ourselves on treating our clients like family and making their lives easier. For a free consultation call today at 865.444.6787.
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