Seniors’ needs don’t stay the same as they continue to grow older. Aging adults may find that suddenly they need extra help in order to maintain their independence and keep their quality of life where they want it to be. Home care assistance can be that extra support factor that makes a difference for aging adults, but when should families consider this option?
New Diagnoses Are Cropping Up
One factor that indicates seniors can benefit from more help is when they’re seeing some new health challenges cropping up. This could be chronic health conditions that are worsening significantly or things like surgeries or injuries that are taking longer to heal. Seniors who are experiencing cognitive changes might also find themselves in need of extra help.
Household Tasks Are More Difficult
Over time, household tasks start to become a lot more difficult for seniors to handle on their own. Seniors may start to scale back what they do while accomplishing those tasks or they might stop doing these tasks altogether. Some of these tasks might include meal preparation, home maintenance, and general housecleaning tasks. Home care providers can help with all of these tasks, even if seniors only need occasional help with them.
Physical Appearances Are Changing
Sometimes seniors have trouble keeping up with personal care tasks, which causes them to look slightly different than they have in the past. Seniors who are having trouble preparing meals might start to lose weight unexpectedly, for instance. Or a senior with mobility issues might have trouble showering and grooming. These types of issues are usually fairly visible to family caregivers.
Activities of Daily Living Are More Difficult
Other activities of daily living might be more difficult now and also more difficult for family caregivers to spot. Seniors who are having trouble getting dressed might start to choose clothing that is easier for them to get into and out of alone. They might also do things like start wearing pajamas or a bathrobe all the time because it’s easier. Home care assistance can help aging adults with activities of daily living, ensuring that hygiene needs are met and that seniors are safe in their homes.
Social Engagement Keeps Dropping
Self-isolation can be dangerous for aging adults because it can contribute to loneliness, depression, reduced mobility, and even cognitive decline. Having elder care providers with them on a regular basis helps to meet their needs for socialization. Caregivers can spend time with seniors playing games, engaging in conversation, and just being there to listen.
Recognizing when seniors need home care assistance can be difficult for families to do without really looking into some details. Seniors may be reluctant to share what’s a challenge for them, so it’s important that family caregivers take the time to listen and just be there for the people they love. Encouraging seniors to open up about what they’re facing is worth it in the end, because there is help available to keep them safe and content for as long as they want to age in place.
Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/planning-for-home-care
If You Or An Aging Loved One is Considering Home Care Assistance in Arvada, CO, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 720-780-7755.
