Know when it's time to get help for someone with memory loss
Family members may feel obligated to "keep care in the family." But they often realize that it's a complicated process to keep their own lives on track and provide the kind of care their loved one needs when someone has dementia.
The stress of managing caregiving responsibilities can be hard on families. Family caregivers can resent this responsibility, and elderly parents may feel like they're a burden. A caregiver who feels overwhelmed or unable to cope is in no position to help their loved one.
It is good to know what stressors to watch for as there may be signs to help prevent a serious incident if addressed early.
Maybe Mom or Dad is less engaged with friends or family than they have been in the past. Self-isolation could be a sign of depression if your loved one has pulled back suddenly after being active and involved in the past.
When you visit Mom or Dad in their home, look at the environment. Is the house not as tidy as it used to be? Is the food in the refrigerator spoiled? These could be signs that your loved one may not physically be able to take care of their household responsibilities, or they may be forgetting to handle them.
Pay attention to other signs. Maybe your loved one has suddenly lost a lot of weight. Perhaps you're frequently getting calls about them having to go to the hospital. Changes in your loved one can be harder to notice if you live in a different city or state, but paying attention is essential.
An in-home care provider can help relieve some of that responsibility. It may seem like no one can take care of your loved one as you can. Only you know their life story and their needs. Getting help with that burden can let you be the kind of family member you want to be, rather than feeling overwhelmed.
We help families determine a care plan for their loved ones. Contact us for an in-home assessment and help develop a plan for caregiving and respite.
BrightStar Care of Chico provides 24/7 caregiving to hourly Private Duty Home Health Care and Medical Staffing Services.
We offer support around the clock, providing a full continuum of caregiving, Alzheimer's care, home nursing, and medical staffing services. We proudly serve Forest Ranch, Chico, Durham, Biggs, Hamilton City, Glenn, Butte City, Gridley, Corning, Orland, Oroville, Paradise, Magalia, and Willows areas.
For more information on how BrightStar Care supports Chico families and people living with Alzheimer's and to learn more about our local team of caregivers and skilled healthcare professionals – please Click Here.