Signs a Home Caregiver is Needed
While visiting your aging parents over time you may start to notice changes. By noticing these little changes you can help ensure their health and wellbeing. Some of these changes should make it clear that Mom and Dad could use some extra help, help that could keep them out of a nursing home. Below are some signs to look for indicating that a home caregiver could help your aging parents stay in their home.
- Struggling to Stand Up
Getting out of a car and standing up from a chair takes a lot of strength. If your parent needs a big push or it takes several tries for them to get up, a fall or other health crisis is imminent. They like don’t have the strength to even get out of the bathtub. A home caregiver can help with all of your parents’ daily care needs, helping keep them safe.
- Unexplained Bruising
Before a major injury happens, minor injuries and bruises are usually seen which can indicate a strength or balance problem. Your parent will likely say it was just a little accident and is probably not the first time it has happened. Extra resources like physical therapy or a home caregiver can be useful in preventing a major injury.
- Unhealthy Diet
Do your parent’s meals now consist of microwavable meals or snacks? Meal prep is probably too difficult for them now and maintaining an unhealthy diet can be bad for their health. A home caregiver can help with their diet by meal planning, grocery shopping and even cooking with them.
- Declining Appearance
A decline in personal upkeep and appearance can be a sign more help is needed. You might notice Mom seen wearing the same clothes for days or Dad is no longer shaving. A home care aide can assist them with personal care and laundry to get your parents back to their usual hygiene.
- Personality Changes
Fatigue, forgetfulness and agitation are all signs of depression. Your parents likely won’t acknowledge any concerns but they can be noticed by you. Home caregivers can help alleviate depression by helping them keep a routine, encouraging more activity, keeping medications on track and just being there to support them.
- Housekeeping Is Going Downhill
Have you noticed a change in your parent’s housekeeping standards? Cleaning tasks they have always maintained may now be left out. When you see subtle signs of declining housekeeping it is a good time to seek extra help from a home caregiver to assist with these daily tasks.
- Cognitive Issues
Forgetting appointments, words or repeating themselves are all signs of a cognitive issue. Home caregivers can help your parents keep a routine and remind them of appointments, tasks or other things that need to be done.
Keep a watchful eye out for any of these signs and when the time is right contact our team to get an evaluation on how we can help your parents. Our home caregivers will allow your parents to age in their home instead of a nursing home.
