It can be difficult to admit an aging parent needs around-the-clock care. Family members should watch out for signs their senior loved ones need extensive 24-hour care at home. Here are a few ways to determine if an older adult needs extensive in-home care.
Physical Care Requirements Change
When you can no longer meet the physical requirements of your caregiving duties, it’s a sign your loved one needs 24-hour care. As mobility decreases, seniors may need more physical assistance with daily tasks, from getting out of bed to bathing. Not every caregiver is physically capable of meeting these requirements, and you shouldn’t attempt tasks that could be harmful to your health.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care, a leading provider of home care service. Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Sundowning Occurs
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often start to exhibit signs of sundowning in the later stages of the disease. The term “sundowning” refers to the confusion seniors with Alzheimer’s experience as the sun goes down, which may be triggered by the changes in light and activity. Seniors who experience sundowning may become anxious or aggressive in the evening or start to wander or roam, which can be dangerous if they manage to leave their homes. When seniors reach the later stages of Alzheimer’s, it can place a heavy emotional burden on caregivers. If you find yourself unable to manage these nighttime disruptions, it may be a sign your loved one needs 24-hour care.
Additional Safety Considerations Arise
Some seniors need constant supervision to stay safe, regardless of their living environment. These seniors may have mobility issues or health conditions that prevent them from being self-sufficient. The standard senior safety modifications, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms and ensuring clutter-free hallways, may not be enough to keep them safe. In these instances, seniors may need constant supervision for optimal health.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Harrisburg live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.
Repeated Accidents Take Place
If your loved one repeatedly falls, stumbles, or simply has close calls, it’s a warning sign he or she needs to be monitored more closely. As seniors age, the recovery process gets slower, and aging adults prone to or recovering from accidents may need 24-hour supervision. By opting for around-the-clock care, your loved one will receive immediate care in the event of an emergency.
You Experience Caregiver Burnout
When determining whether your loved one needs around-the-clock care, don’t just consider his or her needs. You should also factor your own wellbeing into the equation. If taking care of your loved one has left you with a bad case of caregiver burnout, it may be a sign you’re no longer able to meet your loved one’s needs. Signs of caregiver burnout include anxiety, depression, social isolation, and intrusive thoughts. If the job of caregiving is taking too much of a physical, emotional, or mental toll on you, it may be time to consider 24-hour care.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Harrisburg, PA, families trust Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. Call us today at (717) 540-4663 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.