Has Your Loved One Exceeded Home Care?

Has Your Loved One Exceeded Home Care?

August 17, 2021 | Caregiving

When is the right time to think about the next step of elder care?

There will come a point in a senior’s life when they can no longer live independently and will need additional support beyond home care. This can be a difficult time in your life and the life of your loved one.It’s a moment of transition for a senior who has enjoyed their living situation, and you may feel like you’re taking all of that away. But moving into an assisted living community is a positive step and will allow your loved one to get the care they need. To make the right decision, it’s important to identify the signs that show a senior could benefit from after home care in an assisted living facility. These nine signs help determine the right time for considering the next phase of care for your loved one.

Frequent Medical Emergencies
If your loved one has experienced more and more medical emergencies, it’s time to think about getting beyond home care. Chronic conditions can weaken a senior over time and without professional assistance, each day may feel more and more difficult. At an assisted living community, your loved one will have greater support and immediate access to proper healthcare.

Mobility Concerns When simple slips and falls increase in regularity, it’s a clear sign that your loved one needs to live in a safer space. Seniors must have an environment with easy access to everything they need. From support handles in bathrooms to convenient walkways without steps, an assisted living community provides the proper environment for a senior to move around and thrive.

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Memory Lapses
If someone is forgetful, it’s not a clear sign that they have mental deficiencies. Everyone and anyone has experienced a memory slip. But if these memory lapses increase in frequency or become more significant, your loved one will need the special care and support of an assisted living facility or memory care facility.

Changes in Mood
If a senior is becoming easily agitated or anxious, it could be a sign that they’re overwhelmed with their current living condition. They may show sudden signs of paranoia, confusion and aggression. When this happens, your loved one needs a safe place to live and a helpful staff trained to assist seniors and ease their frustration and confusion.

Financial Mistakes
Late and missed payments are a sign a loved one is having a difficult time keeping up with everyday finances. Maintaining finances can be complicated for anyone, but if these errors pile up, it can be detrimental. Banking mistakes and tax errors result in penalties that put significant strain on a senior’s finances. If you notice overdue bills, it’s time to think about getting your loved one beyond home care and take a more active role in their money management.

Decline in House Cleaning and Home Upkeep If a loved one’s home is in a state of disrepair or hasn’t been properly cleaned in a while, consider getting after home care in an assisted living community. Taking care of a house is no easy job, but if trash, mail, laundry and newspapers are piling up, it may mean your loved one is overwhelmed with the work. Decline in Hygiene We take personal hygiene for granted. Tasks like stepping into a shower or brushing your teeth are so easy they’re reflexive. But for seniors, these tasks can be difficult and even dangerous. And if a senior is not taking proper care of themselves, it’s a sign to consider beyond home care where they can get the help they need to stay healthy.

Caregiver Burnout Never forget your own health and quality of life. If you are caring for a senior, it can put increased stress on an already stressful situation. You need to take care of yourself and have the time to physically and emotionally rest. If the burden of caring for a loved one becomes too overwhelming, it’s time for after home care. Conclusion: Don’t Wait for the Situation to Go From Bad to Worse Watching a loved one’s mental and physical health decline is painful and heartbreaking. But by identifying when a senior needs additional beyond home care, you can improve their quality of life. The sooner you reach out for help, the better. After home care in an assisted living community provides a healthy place for seniors to enjoy life. The burdens of everyday chores take a toll on a senior. And mobility concerns and medical needs must be handled by a friendly, professional team who are available when needed. If you notice these signs in a loved one, seek help. Talk with your loved one and learn more about assisted living facilities in your area. It’s never too early to explore your beyond home care options, but it can be too late.

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