When you care for an aging loved one, it can be challenging to prioritize personal responsibilities while ensuring they get the best care possible. As their needs evolve, you may wonder whether they need more support than you can provide. A family caregiver can bridge this gap, offering the compassionate support and attention your loved one needs to age safely at home.
If you’ve noticed certain health, behavioral or lifestyle changes in your family member, it might be time to consider 24/7 home care services. Below are key signs an individual needs more help for their safety and well-being.
How to Determine if Your Loved One Needs 24-Hour Care
Here are some warning signs that an older adult needs 24-hour care:
Mobility Challenges
If you notice that it’s getting harder for your loved one to move around the home or complete tasks on their own, it could be a sign that they need more assistance. Assistance is especially important for fall prevention, especially considering more than 14 million adults 65 years and older fall every year. The top priority for family caregivers is to keep older adults safe. They can support your loved one if they have mobility challenges, helping them navigate the home to prevent slips, trips, falls and injuries.
Cognitive Decline
If your loved one shows signs of cognitive decline, they may need more assistance at home. For individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, specialized care is often necessary for their safety. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, leading to memory loss, confusion and trouble making decisions. If your family member seems disoriented or confused more often, it might be time to call for professional assistance.
With 24/7 home care, professionals can look after your loved one and help them with cognitive challenges. They can remind your loved one to take their medication on time or keep them from wandering to keep them safe.
Daily Living Struggles
With age, older adults may struggle with their hygiene, dressing themselves or making their own meals. It can be tough to provide the constant help they need around the home, especially if you have your own responsibilities or family to care for. If you notice they’ve lost a lot of weight or are neglecting basic self-care, it might be time to hire a family caregiver for additional support.
Professional caregivers are trained to help with activities of daily living (ADLs). They can help your loved one get in the shower, dress and prepare meals. Supervising cooking and bathing can be especially important, as the kitchen and bathroom are common places where slips and falls can occur. A family caregiver can help keep your loved one safe 24/7.
Frequent Medical Needs
When your loved one starts needing frequent medical attention, a helping hand can ensure they get the care they need. You might notice more hospital or doctor visits are necessary for their health, safety and well-being. Managing and monitoring chronic health conditions can be stressful to take on alone, and a family caregiver can provide much-needed support. Professionals can supervise and make sure your loved one is safe. They can remind them to take their medications or call for help in an emergency.
Home Safety Concerns
When it’s challenging to keep your loved one’s home secure and hazard-free, you might want a professional to assist in keeping them safe. Family caregivers can do daily housework and tidy up rooms to make it easier for your loved one to get around. They can help prevent trips, falls and accidents in the kitchen, such as working with knives or being around the hot stove. They can also help your loved one get into the bath or shower and walk upstairs as needed.
Understanding Senior Care and Its Importance
Senior care involves all of the services that support the health and safety of older adults. If they have trouble with their health and mobility or have cognitive conditions that require additional assistance, live-in care for older adults can play a critical role in addressing these needs. By providing personalized care and supervision, family caregivers can help your loved one age gracefully at home, maintaining their independence and quality of life.
When considering 24-hour vs. live-in care, the services are slightly different. 24-hour care involves multiple caregivers rotating eight-hour shifts so that someone is awake and available day and night for your loved one. Live-in caregivers stay in the home day and night, performing duties outlined in your family member’s care plan.
The Role of Caregivers
Professional 24/7 caregivers provide continuous supervision and support, ensuring your family member gets the attention they need around the clock. Services can include the following:
- Help with hygiene
- Ambulation
- Companionship
- Help with laundry
- Housekeeping
- Cooking
- Bathing assistance
- Help running errands
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia care
Just having a companion to spend time with can be crucial for your loved one’s well-being. A family caregiver can spot signs of depression, anxiety or withdrawal, and they can be a friend for your family member when you aren’t around.
Making the Decision for 24/7 Home Care Services
Deciding on 24/7 home care is a big step that will take careful consideration and open communication with your family. You’ll want to consider how well your loved one can get around the home and whether they need cognitive or emotional support to live a happier, safer life.
Consult with professionals who can conduct an assessment of your family member’s needs. They can come up with a custom and comprehensive care plan that addresses the unique situation. Choose a qualified caregiver who is also a great personality fit for your family member. Most importantly, involve your loved one in the decision process. Their preferences and autonomy should be respected when making this big decision.
Turn to Village Caregiving for Trusted, Personalized In-Home Support
If your loved one is showing signs of physical, cognitive or mental decline and needs more support at home, it’s likely time to hire a family caregiver. With 24/7 assistance from Village Caregiving, your loved one can receive support and supervision to live at home safely. We customize our in-home care plans and work closely with you and other family members as you navigate the aging process.
Our family caregivers can help with ADLs, companionship and various other services to support your loved one’s well-being. We offer flat rates and a 24/7 cell number for every office, so you can access our team when needed.
Contact your nearest Village Caregiving location today to learn more about our personalized care services and how we can support your family.
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