Signs That It May Be Time To Consider Additional Help For Your Loved One

Introduction

Many individuals prefer to age at home where they are most comfortable and are in their familiar surroundings, there comes a time when additional care and extra support may become necessary for their safety and well-being. We share some key signs that indicate that it may be time to consider some additional help for your loved one. Recognizing the signs can help to ensure their needs are fully met whilst also providing them with an engaging and supportive loving environment.

A Decline in Physical Health

An indicator that it is time for additional help around the home is a significant decline in physical health. This includes difficulty with mobility, experiencing multiple falls, challenges with their management of medication, or struggling to perform daily tasks independently. Carers are fully trained to help with all duties and assist with these needs ensuring your loved one receives the best quality of care and attention that they require.

A Change in Hygiene

A change in your loved one’s personal hygiene can be an indicator that they require additional assistance. Signs such as weight loss, unwashed, greasy hair, bad breath, long or dirty fingernails and body odour can be due to self-neglect meaning they are suffering with an inability to perform the essential self-care tasks. A home care provider offers the service of personal care which offers support in the daily tasks your loved one may require help with such as dressing, bathing, applying creams, shaving, as well as hair styling and trimming of their nails keeping personal care dignified, discreet and respectful.

Cognitive Decline

One of the primary indicators is a cognitive decline, if your loved one is experiencing progressive cognitive decline this can make it challenging to care for themselves and remain safe at home living alone. The signs of cognitive decline include memory loss, difficulties making decisions and confusion. Home carers or live in carers can be available 24 hours a day to care for your loved one ensuring their safety at home, helping with daily tasks and medication reminders.

Isolation

Older adults who live alone and also have less social interaction can experience loneliness and isolation which can have a negative impact on their mental health and emotional well-being. If your loved one struggles to participate in social activities or has limited social connections, then they may benefit from the services of a home carer, who provide services such as companionship, a carer can support your loved one with their hobbies, interests, attending local events and shows, running errands or simply popping around for a chat over a cup of tea.

Caregiver Burnout

The well-being of your loved one’s primary caregiver also is a factor to be considered. If your loved one receives care from yourself or a family member and they are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or struggling to meet the needs of caregiving, then this could also mean it is time to look into outside help to relieve some of the burden of caregiving and responsibilities. AThis allows the caregiver to prioritize their own well-being and offering respite support whilst knowing your loved one receives quality care they require.

Challenges Around the Home

Home maintenance can become increasingly difficult for older adults, especially if the have mobility issues or a chronic health condition. Signs such as untidy living spaces, difficulty with house keeping such as hoovering or mopping the floor or an inability to perform the necessary repairs or modifications to the home to accommodate their changing needs. A live-in carer can help with meal preparation and household cleaning, avoiding the worry or strenuous household activities that can cause stress and allows your loved one to concentrate on the more important parts of their life such as spending quality time with their family.

Conclusion

Recognising these signs and noticing that it may well be time to start looking for some assistance is an important step in ensuring the well-being and safety of your loved one in their home. They are all factors to seriously consider when evaluating your loved ones need for additional care and support. By spotting the signs early you can guarantee a smooth transition into the introduction of care from a provider to receive tailored personalised care which will enhance their quality of life in their golden years.