Aging in Place
Especially for Baby Boomers, the desire to remain at home while aging is strong. Staying in familiar surroundings, where they are comfortable, is important to many older people, and this can present challenges for their loved ones. What do you do when your aging parent seems to need help, yet does not want to leave home? Homecare is an excellent alternative, allowing people to stay in their homes while also receiving the assistance they need to manage their daily lives. Homecare is not typically medical support, but is tailored to the individual person, providing support where it is needed, in order to allow older people to age in place while leading a safer, healthier life. Still, it can often be difficult to persuade an older person to accept help. How do you know when it’s time to insist on homecare? Look for signs that your older loved one may need extra help at home.
Mobility Issues
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in older people, and about 30 percent of those who fall will be moderately or severely injured. This is serious, because an injury can often lead to further health issues, ending the ability of the older person to live independently. If you notice that your loved one is unsteady when walking, or is holding on to furniture or walls to navigate through the house, or if there has already been a fall, it may be time to bring in a caregiver. An in-home caregiver can help prevent falls, not just by lending a hand, but also by being mindful of any hazards that may have been overlooked within the house.
Inability to Drive
Giving up the car keys can be a struggle for an older adult, but age-related conditions can make it unsafe to drive. Having a caregiver come a few days a week to transport your loved one to appointments and social events, run errands, or just go for a drive can make the loss of the independent feeling of driving a little easier.
Lapse in Home Upkeep
If your once-tidy loved one suddenly has a messy house, that is a sign that something is not quite right. Dirty dishes, unpaid bills, and excessive clutter could be a sign of a lack of motivation, mobility issues, health concerns, or financial worries. When you enlist the help of a caregiver, you can address some of these issues and alleviate stress for your loved one.
Difficulty Getting the Right Nutrition
It is common for a person’s metabolism to change with age, but many older adults struggle to get the nutrition they need. If you notice that your loved one has lost interest in cooking or eating, is having difficulty stocking the refrigerator, or has lost weight, it may be helpful to hire a caregiver. A homecare provider can assist with grocery store trips, meal planning, and cooking, depending on what your loved one needs. For people who still love to cook, but struggle to get to the store or carry groceries, a caregiver can fill in the gaps and handle the tasks that are too strenuous, without taking away the parts of meal prep that are enjoyable.
Forgetfulness
Memory loss and forgetfulness can be an indication of cognitive decline. Has your loved one started skipping medications or missing appointments? Do you find that he or she has trouble recalling basic facts like the date or time? It is not uncommon for older people to become forgetful, but in some cases, it can be a red flag for a medical issue like Alzheimer's or dementia. It is especially worrisome if your loved one has begun wandering or getting lost, as well. Notice if he or she is returning from regular walks or drives later than expected, forgetting how to get to places that should be familiar, becoming restless, making repetitive movements, or pacing. Ask your loved one’s doctor to screen for underlying disorders, then discuss homecare options to help facilitate safe, independent living.
Poor Personal Hygiene
Sometimes, noticing that there is a problem can be as simple as looking at your loved one. Someone who is having difficulty managing may have a change in appearance, resulting from poor personal care. Pay attention to things like body odor, unbrushed teeth, unwashed or unkempt hair, and the appearance of clothes and shoes. Appearance is about more than looking good, and it can tell you a lot about a person’s frame of mind. A caregiver can help care for an older person’s personal needs, providing dignified solutions to help improve the person’s quality of life.
Loneliness or Isolation
When people live alone and are less social than they used to be, it can lead to loneliness and isolation. Older people who are isolated and lonely have a higher mortality risk than their peers, and are more likely to develop dementia or depression, which can lead to a reduced quality of life. Homecare services can provide companionship and facilitate interaction with others through participation in social events.
Recovery from Illness or Injury
When a person has been ill, or is recovering from a hospital stay, it can help to have extra support during recovery. Having a caregiver to help prepare meals, assist with household chores, help keep track of medications, and offer respite to family members who are helping can be a big relief. For an older person who is bedridden, a caregiver trained in body mechanics can help ensure safe movement from one part of the house to another.
Behavioral Changes
It is natural for people to change as they live, grow, and learn life lessons, but if your loved one is exhibiting worrisome behavioral changes, it should be taken seriously. It could be as simple as a lack of motivation to do things he or she used to do, or it could be something more pronounced, like aggression, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, or depression. Whatever the case may be, a caregiver can help you get to the bottom of the problem and find solutions.
Homecare You Can Trust with BrightStar
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is time to begin making arrangements for homecare by a trusted professional. At
BrightStar Care of Central DuPage-Wheaton, we provide high-quality, compassionate care, along with support for our local healthcare system. Because we believe in giving more, we hold ourselves to a higher standard, making sure our customers receive the care and support they need and deserve, while also serving the community. From our nurses and caregivers to our office team and staff, every member of the BrightStar Care team is committed to providing the kind of care that can truly make a difference. That is why we receive high praise from our
clients and local healthcare organizations, and that is why we have been honored with some of the most
prestigious awards in the industry, both as part of a national home care brand and as a local business. For more information about our in-home care, medical staffing, as well as other support and services, call 630.366.0279 or
contact us through our website.
