If you’re having a hard time figuring out how to care for a senior parent, you’re not alone. Millions of people are trying to find a way to juggle caring for an older parent, caring for their kid, working, and other responsibilities.
And unfortunately, there are no instructions when it comes to figuring out how to take care of your parent. One of the most common questions people ask about caring for a senior parent is when does that parent need senior home care?
The answer depends on your parent’s health, their mobility level, and how much time you can spend with them. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to bring in senior home care for a parent sooner rather than later.
What Is Senior Home Care?
Senior home care is another name is for home care. If your senior parent has senior home care they will get regularly scheduled visits from a home care provider.
While the home care provider is with your senior parent, they can do things like cook meals, do the laundry, change the sheets, vacuum the floor, dust, and do the dishes.
Senior home care providers do a variety of different tasks to help seniors of all abilities live independently in their own homes safely and comfortably. Getting senior home care now gives your parent time to find a home care provider they connect with and trust.
Your senior parent should have senior home care if:
They’re Living Alone and Starting to Struggle
If your parent lives alone, it can be hard for them to keep up with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. A senior home care provider can visit regularly to make sure your parent is safe, well-fed, and cared for. They can also provide companionship, which helps prevent loneliness and keeps your parent socially connected.
They Just Came Home from a Hospital Stay
Recovering from surgery, an injury, or an illness can be tough at any age, but it’s especially challenging for seniors.
If your parent has recently been discharged from the hospital, they may be weak, tired, or have trouble moving around safely. A caregiver can help during the recovery process by assisting with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and meals.
They can also monitor your parent’s condition and make sure they’re following the doctor’s instructions. Having professional help during recovery can prevent setbacks and reduce the risk of being readmitted to the hospital.
They’ve Fallen Recently or Are Unsteady on Their Feet
Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury among older adults. If your parent has fallen recently, or even if they’ve started having trouble keeping their balance, it’s a sign that they might need home care.
A caregiver can help them move safely around the house, assist with getting in and out of bed or chairs, and keep walkways clear of clutter.
They can also notice early signs of weakness or dizziness before another fall happens. With a caregiver’s support, your parent can stay active and independent without putting themselves at risk.
You Live Far Away and Can’t Check In Often
If you live in another city or state, it can be stressful wondering how your parent is managing on their own.
You might call often, but phone check-ins can only do so much. Home care provides peace of mind when you can’t be there in person.
A trained caregiver can visit regularly to make sure your parent is eating, taking their medications, and living safely. You’ll also receive updates so you always know how your loved one is doing.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Highlands Ranch, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
