All of us want our aging-in-place loved ones to remain happy, healthy, and fully independent. However, the aging process eventually brings about changes – physical and mental – that can hinder an independent and active lifestyle.
When these changes occur, it doesn’t necessitate the need to move your loved one to an assisted living facility or nursing home, but it does show the need for extra help to support every senior’s desire: to age in place.
In the beginning, family members are often available to step in and provide supervision and support, but eventually, a senior’s needs can get to the point where hiring a professional caregiver becomes the best option to maintain the health and safety of your loved one.
Recognizing the Signs That Your Loved One Needs Home Care
It often first becomes apparent that changes are taking place for your senior when you arrive at their home. Because household chores can become challenging over time, you may start to notice extreme clutter and unsanitary conditions. This is a warning sign that outside help is required to maintain health and safety in their home.
Other signs include a refrigerator having an inadequate amount of fresh food, noticeable weight loss, forgetting to take medications, and unexplained bruises that often indicate negative changes in mobility.
Perhaps the biggest indicator that your loved one needs help is a noticeable decline in their personal appearance. Your loved one who was always meticulous about their appearance may now be wearing dirty clothes and not doing their hair. There may also be a strong smell of urine or body odor and, as time goes on, a refusal to change out of dirty clothes.
All of these signs indicate that your loved one is struggling physically and/or mentally to meet their own needs and that they need someone’s help.
Do You Need Senior Home Care for Your Benefit, too?
Caregiver burnout commonly occurs when family members aren’t sharing the workload. Grocery shopping, transporting loved ones to appointments, managing medications, housekeeping, and taking care of your loved one’s personal needs like bathing, dressing, and toileting can take a toll on you physically and mentally.
If the level of care required by your senior is having an adverse effect on you physically, or you’re experiencing depression or anxiety, using the services of a professional home care aide may be the best solution for everyone involved.
A home care aide can help your aging loved one monitor their vital signs, navigate their complex medication regimen, help with chronic medical conditions, and participate in exercises that improve independence. And just as important, a home care aide will become a trusted companion for them.
New Wave Home Care Can Keep Your Senior at Home
If both you and your loved one are ready for assistance, Pasadena-based New Wave Home Care can make the difference in having your senior stay where they want to -at home.
We’ve provided senior home care services for over 15 years in Southern California and the greater Los Angeles area. Whether you need some help with respite care for a few hours per week to give you a chance to take care of yourself, or you need help around the clock, our carefully screened caregivers are there to assist with compassion.
Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to talk about your needs and create a personalized care plan for your loved one. We’re available 24/7 at (626) 662-7738.
