Thursday, 13 October 2022

How to Tell If Your Ageing Loved One Needs Home Care

Family caregivers want to see their parents live healthy and independent lives for as long as possible. However, when an elderly loved one’s health begins to deteriorate, he or she may need Home Care assistance from a caregiver. Receiving Home Care can boost your loved one’s mood, slow the progression of age-related diseases, and keep him or her safe.

What are the signs?

1. Your ageing parents are having difficulty getting around the house.

Joints get painful and muscles start atrophying with many seniors as they sit more and move less. Some begin to stumble and fall, which of course can be very dangerous. We always say, “One fall can change it all!” because we’ve seen it so many times.

It’s best to remove any fall hazards in the home, especially loose rugs and items that block pathways. Look at getting walking aids to help stabilise your parents as they walk and be sure that all ice is cleared from walkways during the winter months

2. Weight Change

Another health issue some seniors struggle with is poor nutrition. Preparing well-balanced meals takes more work and planning than relying on a diet consisting of convenience foods, such as frozen meals or canned items.

If your loved one doesn't like cooking for one person, or eating fast food, they may skip some meals altogether. This can add up to unintended weight gain or loss, each of which can negatively impact their lives.

3. Confusion

It’s time to seek help when tasks that are familiar to your loved one become challenging, or when a parent seems to struggle to complete a task that he or she has always done. Confusion can indicate that an unreported seizure took place, or possible dementia. This can also display as high anxiety.

4. Unkempt Home

This is another one of those areas where you know what’s normal for your parent. While some people live happily with a little clutter, you need to worry about major changes in your elderly parent’s housekeeping routine. Dirty dishes, mould in the bathroom and overflowing trash are all signs your loved one might need Home Care to clean up the living environment and eliminate health risks.

Carers at Golden Home Care are trained to provide the best assistance with these household tasks.

5. How are you coping?

It might be time to discuss Home Care with your parents if you are overwhelmed or exhausted by the demands now placed on you. Juggling a full-time job, family, and the extra care an elderly parent needs, can leave anybody overwhelmed. However, there is often a fear (or even, guilt) that you must be available to address any issues that arise.

If you find that you are needed, more frequently than before, to assist with your parent’s needs, it is a clear sign that they are becoming less able to care for themselves. Escalating care needs that may well be beyond your ability often lead to personal stress, or compassion fatigue. Even though you probably dread raising the subject with Mom or Dad, the idea of Home Care could be vital for the ongoing health and safety of not just your parents, but also, you and your family.

Let Mom or Dad know that engaging a Home Carer to help them cope with everyday tasks can be a big step towards improving their quality of life while remaining independent.

Find out how Golden Home Care can provide the safe and compassionate care your parents need by calling our expert team.

www.goldenhomecare.com

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