8 Signs That Tell You It’s Time to Hire an In-Home Caregiver
They say that getting to an old age means you get more people to love, laugh with, and live your life. And yet, as soon as you climb the 60s ladder, things like illnesses, diseases, and health deterioration become a part of life.
Individuals who have lived their entire life working independently become dependent on others.
It’s not a nice feeling. But it’s inevitable.
As a caring family member, the best you can do is hire a home help who attends to your loved ones’ needs.
Often, you might even recognize the signs that silently seek your attention. And while it’s understandable to overlook the signs, here’s a list of things you need to look for. After that, you can decide the level of in-home care your family member needs.
Inevitable Signs that Demand an In-Home Caregiver
Your Loved One Finds It Difficult to Perform Daily Activities
We barely give a thought to daily activities when young. However, being in the 60s or 70s affects these activities the most.
For example, you might observe that your elderly loved one finds it challenging to take a shower. They may call one of the people in the house for assistance. Or the simple act of changing clothes takes several minutes.
This decline in routine activities and especially asking for assistance is the number one sign to consider in-home care.
Your Loved One Keeps Missing Their Medication
Unfortunately, old age and illnesses go hand-in-hand. And whether acute or chronic, some health conditions need regular medications.
While you play your part in purchasing and organizing your loved one’s medication, it’s often impossible to track if they took it on time.
In addition, some seniors find it hard to remember themselves, often disturbing the medication dose. In such times, calling a reliable caregiver to check in for medications is the best approach.
Your Loved One Has No Company at Home
Seeing an old family member suffer from deteriorating health conditions is heartbreaking. But what’s even more wrenching is not being able to give them the gift of time.
It’s not your fault, but neither can you change your work schedule to make more time from your already busy schedule.
And yet, there is something you can do to make the situation a bit better – hire an in-home caregiver.
In-home caregivers are professional but empathetic and compassionate individuals who accompany your loved one in their daily routine.
More than being a worker or helpers, the caregivers become friends with their clients. Not only does it make the older adult comfortable to have someone around, but it also eliminates their feeling of loneliness.
So, before you beat yourself for being a distant family member, create opportunities for your loved ones to enjoy their time.
Your Loved One Keeps Forgetting their Doctor’s Appointments
Just like medications, doctor’s visits are inevitable, too. Unfortunately, while elderly individuals rely on their family and friends to take them to the doctor, it’s not always feasible. Consequently, it leads to missed doctor’s appointments and worsening health status. So, if you’ve:
- Detected your beloved family member failing to make it to the doctor
- Or received a call from the doctor’s office about missed visits
Then it’s better late than never to call in-house caregiving services.
An in-home caregiver can take your family member to the doctor on time and bring them back safely. Besides that, they pick up prescriptions on the way to ensure your loved one takes the right dose at the right time.
Your Loved One Declines Social Interactions
Social gatherings and events have their place. But the feeling of dependency and lack of health can make a senior stray away. Before you realize it, they’ll start avoiding get-togethers and friends and become reclusive.
It’s an alarming sign that your loved one is disturbed and needs a caring hand.
With a caregiver around to take your family member wherever they please, you can ensure your loved one spends the toughest life phase in comfort.
The occasions can be anything, from charity events to volunteer programs and the Sunday Church.
Your Loved One Neglects Cleaning their Home
Old age equals cranky bones and a lack of willingness to move around.
Even if older adults wish to clean their house like they used to, their health conditions may prevent them from doing it. As a result, you might come home to unmade bedsheets, messy kitchens, and upended living rooms. In such times, contact a professional homecare service provider without delay.
Your Loved One Leans for Support When Standing Long Hours
Chores like cooking and cleaning require standing for long hours. While it may seem like nothing to youngsters, older adults can get fatigued easily and quickly.
You might notice them grabbing the kitchen slabs for support because it gets too much. An in-home caregiver provides dependable support so your loved one can rest while the hired help takes care of the daily chores.
You Can’t Manage Work and Caregiving Simultaneously
Being a caring family member, you may feel like you’ve failed your loved one because you just can’t be there for them. However, your mental and physical health are equally important. After all, you can only care for someone after you’ve taken care of yourself. That’s why when you feel overwhelmed with the routine or find yourself craving time out, act on the impulse.
Hire an in-house caregiver and allow yourself to recharge before you can get back to caring for your loved ones.
At Top Faith, we have skillful caregivers who provide in-home support for people who need it the most – because we love caring for people who mean the world to you.
