Family caregivers want to make life easier and safer for seniors, but not by making them feel as if they can no longer maintain their independence. It all becomes a sticky situation if family caregivers are trying to figure out when it’s the right time to bring in home care assistance. There isn’t a hard and fast rule, but some of these suggestions can help family caregivers keep the situation in perspective.
Accidents or Falls
Experiencing falls or accidents more often can be a sign that seniors are having more trouble with life in general. Even if they avoid a fall, seniors can sometimes become afraid of the idea of falling. When their behavior changes and they stop being active because of that fear, they’re more likely to experience one. Elder care services can reduce fall risk and help families put a fall prevention plan in place.
Trouble with Activities of Daily Living
Struggling with activities like grooming, getting dressed, or eating is another sign that seniors could benefit from home care assistance. Activities of daily living are ones that are a major part of everyday life. Simply ignoring them or not doing these things isn’t going to help, so having help from elder care providers supports independent living.
Worsening Health
Deteriorating physical wellness can lead to mobility challenges and other trouble with activities of daily living. Seniors may not be able to keep up with household tasks, making healthy meals, and other necessary activities. While home care services don’t offer medical assistance, the non-medical help they offer makes life easier and safer.
Social Isolation
If seniors are withdrawing more from the people around them, they may be feeling lonely and isolated already. Left unchecked, the situation becomes worse and can lead to depression. Home care assistance offers help if seniors need it, but they also talk with seniors and spend time with them. That bit of social engagement can have big results for seniors.
Trouble with Nutrition
Nutrition is so important for senior wellness. The vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients seniors get from their daily diet helps to keep them powered up for all of the challenges they face. If seniors have health issues, they may find it difficult to have the energy to cook, which becomes a vicious cycle of low energy. Home care assistance can make meal preparation easy for seniors, keeping their bodies and brains fueled.
Other Factors
Sometimes there’s just a feeling that family caregivers have that something isn’t right. They may not be able to describe exactly what is setting off alarm bells for them, but that doesn’t mean they’re imagining things. Paying attention to those flashes of intuition can help family caregivers stay on top of what their seniors need.
Recognizing when seniors need more help can be highly individualized. If seniors don’t think they’re ready for help just yet, it’s also possible to give home care assistance a trial run. Seniors can see for themselves what this type of help offers to them.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Sedalia, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
