The decision to hire in-home care for an aging parent is tough. Guilt, anger, and/or sadness make taking the first step the hardest, yet typically the positive way to ensure your parent ages gracefully. In-home care and support can assist with what he or she needs to be happy and healthy in their own home.
Here are signs that a change may be appropriate.
–Moodiness
Severe mood swings or moodiness can be a sign that your parent is suffering from the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s or depression. Almost like two different people and sometimes they don’t know they are acting differently. Hiring an in-home caregiver can ensure that your parent has someone around to monitor the symptoms, and sound the alarm if they get worse or change drastically.
-Personal Care
Personal care is critical not only for your parent’s well-being but also for their outlook and sense of self-worth. With this in mind, hiring an in-home caregiver to help your parent uphold their personal care routine can be critical.
–Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s. When a parent starts forgetting critical things, like whether or not they’ve taken vital medication or how to turn off the stove, the condition can quickly become dangerous.
–Are they confused from time to time?
Parents who get lost, frustrated, or angry are displaying confusion. This can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This symptom warrants home care and additional assistance.
–Poor Hygiene
Maybe you notice that the trash hasn’t been taken out in days or that your mom’s refrigerator is full of spoiled food. Perhaps you’ve begun to notice that your father isn’t showering or shaving anymore. While symptoms like this may seem like simple forgetfulness, it’s important to remember that rotten food in the refrigerator may indicate that your parent isn’t eating and that poor personal hygiene can put your parent at risk of infections and other unpleasant symptoms.
–Seclusion
Seclusion is a dangerous thing for seniors and a little scary. Isolation can hurt a senior’s health and perhaps contribute to dementia and cognitive decline. If your elderly parent has begun to isolate himself or herself, then hiring in-home help may prevent the situation from worsening.
–Difficulty Getting Up or Standing
If you’ve noticed that your parent is having a hard time standing up out of his or her favorite chair, it’s time to hire in-home help. While this may seem like a small symptom that can be attributed to arthritis or stiff joints, it’s important to remember that, without help, your parent could easily be stuck for hours or days if they can’t get up on their own.
–Respite
Make sure you also plan for time to keep yourself healthy and happy. Both family and caregivers need time to refresh. A positive environment is not created by people, families, or caregivers that are exhausted. Refreshing provides better care.
–Decide to find out
Taking the first step is a positive way to ensure your parent has the opportunity to age gracefully. Decide to find out and be prepared. Without support and help, things can spiral rapidly for our family and loved ones.
The key is, to get started. Be aware of changes and add refresher events for physical and mental kindness.