Determining if Your Loved One Needs Extra Care.
At some point in your lifetime, you will probably find yourself worried about whether or not a loved one needs extra care. This may be a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent or anyone who has started having trouble performing every day tasks, whether it is due to age, illness or injury. It can be a mentally and physically challenging time for both you and the loved one who is dealing with a loss of independence. One of the best ways to ensure that it is a smooth transaction is to know for sure when a loved one needs that extra care. From assisted living centers to simply getting extra help from a home care agency, there are plenty of options to fit the needs of your loved one.
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Physical Signs and Other Bodily Issues
Do you often notice bruises or cuts on your loved ones arms? Does he or she tend to fall or bump into things more frequently. This could be a sign that the person is having trouble functioning normally. Other signs involving the body include dry or cracked skin and other signs of dehydration, weight loss and signs of malnourishment and poor body odor or a noticeable lack of hygiene. You may even find that they no longer change clothes when they are soiled or have stopped showering.
Mental Signs
Sometimes the signs may be more mental than physical. Perhaps your loved one seems depressed or lonely. This is especially true if she or she can no longer drive or has recently lost a spouse. Forgetfulness or a lack of interest in what would normally be a pleasurable activity for the person are also signs. Maybe the person is showing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, a trip to the doctor for a diagnosis is also an important step to take before making a decision about extra care.
Safety Hazards
One of the most important reasons you may want to choose extra care for your loved one is that he or she being alone all the time has become a safety hazard. Maybe she forgets to turn off the stove after cooking or maybe he left the car running in the garage one day. You might catch them eating food that is spoiled or losing utilities because they forget to pay the bills. You may even find that they are not taking medication properly or can no longer get up the stairs, in and out of the bathtub or out to the mailbox without stumbling or falling.
Types of Care
Once you have established that your loved one needs extra care, you must decided how much and what kind. Do you need someone to look on in them a few days a week as a gentle reminder to take their medications or help with chores, or do you need to consider moving them into a place that offers round-the-clock care?
Home care is always a great choice because it allows your loved one to age naturally in his or her home without too much disruption to their lives. You can have someone visit frequently or even move in with your loved one to make sure he or she is safe, clean and performing everyday tasks with ease. With home care you and your loved one can work to create a schedule that fits your needs instead of rearranging your lives to fit someone else’s schedule. Home care also allows your loved one more privacy and comfort than other options.
Ambassadors Caregivers is a home care service in Houton, Texas. Connect with them on Facebook to learn more.
This is something that I have been faced with already in my life. It wasn’t easy & it’s going to be even harder the next time. Thank you for sharing such important information.
Definitely a lot to think about and consider. It’s a topic isn’t easy and does require much research before action.
It is SO SO SO important to do thorough research when considering a nursing home. My family has horror stories of the nursing homes my great aunt died in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, speak to someone “higher up,” or make demands of the nursing home. Ask to see records and put everything in writing.