While most seniors want to preserve their independence, there may come a time when home care services are necessary. As a caregiver, you need to monitor your loved one for signs of decreasing physical and psychological health to determine if he or she needs help in the home. Here are some things that may indicate your loved one requires home care.
Laundry Piling Up
If you notice your loved one’s laundry is piling up or that he or she is wearing soiled clothing, consider the services of a home care professional. Your loved one may be unable to do laundry because he or she is no longer able to navigate the stairs to the laundry room. If this is the case, make a doctor’s appointment to determine if your loved one has a mobility, balance, or pain issue. If the doctor determines your loved one doesn’t have any of these issues, your loved one may be forgetting laundry needs to be done, which may be a sign of cognitive decline.
Cognitive issues are a common reason aging adults need assistance, and a professional caregiver can be a wonderful asset. Dallas home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Weight Fluctuations
If your loved one has lost or gained weight, he or she may not be eating nutritious foods or is forgetting to eat. If weight loss is noticeable, your loved one may have a medical condition that should be evaluated by a physician. In addition, your loved one may have forgotten how to cook or is afraid to use the stove. A home care professional can prepare nutritious meals for your loved one and monitor his or her food intake to ensure all dietary needs are being met.
Some seniors have health conditions that make it difficult to shop for groceries or make healthy meals for themselves. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Neglected Pets
If pets have not been fed, are dirty, losing weight, or exhibiting signs of illness or injury, this may indicate your loved one is neglecting them. While the neglect isn’t intentional, it may mean your loved one doesn’t remember how to care for an animal, is physically unable to care for a pet, or has forgotten there is a pet in the home. Also, if you notice pet waste on the floors or furniture, it may mean your loved one needs help caring for the animal. A home care provider can help by walking the dog, cleaning the litter box, feeding the pet, and making sure the animal sees the veterinarian on a regular basis.
Forgotten Medications
It’s crucial that your loved one takes his or her medications in a timely manner. Forgetting to take prescribed medication can lead to a dangerous health situation, especially if your loved one lives alone. If you notice your loved one hasn’t taken his or her medication or is complaining of increased pain, dizziness, confusion, incontinence, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then consider the services of a home caregiver, who will make sure your loved one takes medications to avoid worsening symptoms of chronic health conditions.
If you notice any of the signs listed above, start an honest, loving conversation with your parent about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to help. When considering home care, Dallas, TX, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact Home Care Assistance at (214) 363-3400 today.