Knowing When It’s Time for 24-Hour Home Care
It’s never easy to see someone we care about get older or deal with health problems. Families often have to address tough questions, like: ‘Is it safe for Mom to live alone? Can Dad take care of his medicines?’ These are important questions to ask, along with the overall discussion of whether it is time to add more support in the home, such as 24-hour home care services.
Here are five key signs that indicate it may be time to consider 24-hour home care.
Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues
If an older person keeps falling or almost falling, it’s a red warning that can’t be ignored. Falls can cause catastrophic injuries, such as broken hips or head traumas, which can put them in the hospital or worse. Additionally, if a loved one has trouble moving safely around their home, needs help getting out of bed or chairs, or has already hurt themselves in a fall, more supervision is likely needed.
Declining Personal Hygiene or Personal Care
A noticeable drop in personal cleanliness is one of the most obvious signals that a loved one needs ongoing care. Seniors who stop showering frequently, wear dirty clothes, or don’t take care of their basic grooming may not be able to take care of themselves anymore. This could be due to medical problems, mental problems, or depression. 24-hour home care ensures they get the care they need and maintain their dignity.
Medication Mismanagement
Not taking the right amount of medicine, missing doses, or forgetting to take medicine at all can have significant consequences, especially for seniors diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, or dementia. If pill organizers stay full, prescriptions aren’t being refilled, or a loved one seems to be having trouble keeping track of when to take their medicine, it’s a clear sign that they need regular help. Professional caregivers are able to handle complicated medication schedules and make sure that doses are given correctly and on time.
Wandering of Safety Concerns Related to Dementia
Wandering is quite dangerous for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Not only that, but seniors diagnosed with the condition may do things that aren’t safe, such as leaving the stove on, trying to drive when they shouldn’t, or not locking their doors. Professional caregivers who have been trained in dementia care can keep seniors safe in their own homes by keeping an eye on them, suggesting modifications to family members, and simply being there when seniors need them most.
Caregiver Burnout
Sometimes the most obvious sign isn’t about the person getting care at all. It’s about the family caregivers. Caregiver burnout is a significant issue that can have negative consequences for everyone involved. With 24-hour home care in place, families can get back to being loved ones instead of caregivers. This simple shift helps sustain the relationship and improves everyone’s overall well-being.
If any of these signs are present in your current situation, it might be time to reach out to a home care agency that offers 24-hour home care. They can explain the services and what to expect so families can make the right choice for their loved one.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help
https://elderprotectioncenter.com/20-signs-your-parent-needs-help/
https://www.ncoa.org/article/4-signs-your-loved-one-might-need-a-companion/
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in the Leawood, KS, area, please get in touch with the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City today.
Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri, as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.
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