One of the hardest things about having a parent that is living alone is knowing when it’s time to increase the amount of supportive care they get. If your mom or dad is determined to continue living independently, they might not want to tell you if they are struggling. But, if your parent really does need to have someone with them around the clock, 24-hour home care can help.
These are some of the signs that may indicate that your senior parent needs the support of 24-hour home care:
Severe Cognitive Decline
Even if your senior parent hasn’t been diagnose with dementia or Alzheimer’s if they are experiencing memory loss, confusion, or disorientation that affects daily functioning they need to have 24-hour home care.
Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues
If your mom or dad is having falls, trouble walking, or difficulty moving from one place to another they need around the clock care. Frequent falls and mobility issues increase the risk of injury. Having someone with them to help them 24 hours a day will reduce the risk that they will get seriously hurt.
Incontinence Issues
Persistent incontinence or difficulty managing personal hygiene that requires frequent assistance is something that warrants around-the-clock care. Incontinence can lead to skin issues, discomfort, and infections. It’s important that someone is in the house to help with changing linens, doing laundry, and helping your senior parent shower.
Behavioral Changes
If your mom or dad is not acting like themselves it could mean they’re lonely at home. Or they could be anxious, or at risk for depression. Having someone in the home with them all the time will give them more companionship and socialization, which can help their mental health as well as their physical health.
Poor Medication Management
If your mom or dad is having trouble managing medications, missing doses, taking incorrect amounts, or having trouble understanding medication schedules they need to have help in the home with them all the time. Mixing up medications or taking incorrect doses could lead to serious medical issues.
Difficulty Eating and Drinking
If your senior parent is having any problems eating or drinking, such as difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, or unintentional weight loss, the first step is a visit to their doctor. Once any immediate medical concerns have been ruled out, someone will need to be with them consistently while they are at home. A 24-hour home care provider can make sure your mom or dad is eating the way they should. And, they can make sure that food is cut up or pureed to lower the risk of your mom or dad choking.
Increased Risk Of Emergencies
If it’s hurricane season, or blizzard season, or a time of year when the weather could be a cause for concern your mom or dad shouldn’t be alone. If there is an emergency, they will need help to get out of the safely and quickly, and you may not be able to get to them quickly. A caregiver is the best way to make sure that your mom or dad can safely get through an emergency like a power outage, a fire, or a weather emergency.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Paw Paw, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717.
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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