Do My Parents Need a Caregiver?
As your loved ones age, it becomes important to be aware of their changing needs. Sometimes it can become apparent that your parents require care that you simply can’t provide. When this becomes clear, you may be looking for a caregiver. What are the early signs of a need for in-home care? BrightStar Care is here to help!
Here are some signs that your aging parents may need care in their homes.
Common Signs that Indicate an Elder Family Member Needs Care
Challenges Performing Every-Day Tasks
Some tasks that should come easily, but might be a challenge in later life include:
- Bathing
Due to mobility issues or forgetfulness, this could be an issue.
- Dressing
An inability to dress oneself could mean that your parent needs assistance with this task.
- Transferring
Whether moving from the bed to standing, moving from the toilet to the sink, or moving from standing to sitting, when these skills become issues, it is time to seek assistance for your parent.
- Eating and Drinking
Sometimes due to poor muscular health or poor dental health, a loved one could have trouble chewing, swallowing, or just eating in general. It is important to secure some assistance in this case so that they don’t have a choking incident.
- Preparing Food
This can become quite a challenge as your loved ones age. Sometimes hiring an assistant, just to prepare meals, could be a real need met.
Changes in Physical Appearance
When you start to notice subtle changes in the appearance of your parents, this could be a sign that they could need assistance.
- Noticeable Weight Loss
This could be due to memory loss, poor diet, or difficulty with food preparation.
- Poor Hygiene
Whether your loved one is forgetting or unable to properly cleanse themselves, this is a sign for intervention.
- Wearing Soiled or Torn Clothing
Some are unable to perform simple tasks such as laundry or mending.
- Bruises, Sores, or Cuts on the Body
Any bodily injuries could be signs that there is a decrease in mobility and this could indicate that your parent needs assistance.
- Burns
Multiple burns to the body could mean that your loved one is having accidents in the kitchen.
Behavioral Changes or Changes in Mental Capacity
The following behavioral changes could mean that your parent may need some form of memory care. Be on the lookout for these symptoms.
- Driving Issues
- Losing Interest in Activities
- Forgetfulness
- Failure to Communicate
- Agitation
- Verbally Aggressive Behavior
Other Signs that Care is Needed
- Changes in the Cleanliness of the Home
- Unopened Mail
- IADLS issues
IADLs are the common acronym for instrumental activities of daily living. If your parent is unable to complete simple daily activities, it may be time for a caregiver. - Evidence of Hoarding
- Financial Issues Due to Unpaid Bills
- Odor in the Home
- Difficulty Driving
Memory Care and Cognitive Changes
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Mood Swings
What to do when you Discover Your Parent Needs In-Home Care
There is quite a large range of care available and many options, so it’s important not to hesitate when you think it’s time. You can even start with something small and move on later to a more extensive care option.
Once you’ve decided that your parent may need assisted care, you have many choices to make. Will you choose assisted living or in-home care? In-home care has many benefits, such as keeping someone comfortable in their own home and surrounding them with memories to keep their cognitive function as healthy as possible. Through in-home care, your parent can receive the care they need, as well as the companionship they desire.
Assisted living is a slightly more social option, but also means making a move. When you’re ready to decide, there are many resources available.
Bright Star Care Ohio
If you think that in-home care is the best choice for your beloved family member or loved one, Bright Star Care is a wonderful choice. In the Cincinnati/Springdale area, Bright Star Care hires the most skilled and well-trained caregivers. Not only that, we hire the most caring and compassionate caregivers available. For more information, visit our website. If you’d prefer, you can give us a call at (513) 321-4688.