As we age, there comes a time when we will likely need some additional help with our daily tasks and routines. It’s a normal part of the aging process, yet it can also be a difficult step in someone’s life. Some may feel they are losing their freedom and independence as they cannot do many simple everyday tasks they once enjoyed.
Knowing and understanding the signs that it’s time to transition to hiring in-home care will help make your decision and conversation with your loved one a little easier. Being a Caregiver is a challenging job, yet many people are trying to do it all on their own.
We understand how it feels to want the best care for your loved ones so that you have the comfort of knowing they are safe and loved when you can’t be there for them. The best part of hiring in-home care is that you and your loved one can still enjoy the independence of living at home while having the additional help to keep you safe, happy, and healthy.
Below are six signs that it is time to hire an in-home caregiver – whether it’s for an hour a day or several, these are telltale signs that you and your loved one are ready for the additional support.
- Depression or Loneliness
Have you noticed your loved one has become less social and not nearly as active as they once were? According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, older adults experiencing social isolation and loneliness face a higher risk of mortality than their peers. Loneliness can take a severe toll on one’s physical and mental health.Hiring an in-home caregiver can provide companionship or someone to share experiences with each day – whether it’s a conversation, a walk, running errands, or just to say hello – it can go a long way!
- Missed Medications
A high percentage of the elderly make some errors when taking their medications which often leads to emergency visits. It can be challenging to remember what medications to take and when to take them daily. Depending on what drugs are needed, this could be dangerous and put your loved one at serious risk if taken incorrectly.Hiring a caregiver will help ensure your loved one is being monitored – allowing them to stay safe at home.
- Falling Behind on Daily Tasks & Chores
Is the laundry piling up, the house a mess, and unopened mail collecting on the counter? This could indicate a shift in one’s physical or mental state of mind and a sign that it is time to seek help. Whether it’s due to physical mobility or changes in cognition, it is common that these daily tasks may become more challenging and, at times, even unsafe. - Dangerous Driving
Driving is often one of the last and most difficult decisions when your loved one gets older. It can typically feel like their independence is gone as they can no longer run errands on their own or get where they need to go by themselves. Driving can become dangerous when eyesight becomes poor, hearing worsens, reaction time slows, and changes in cognition make it challenging to remember things. - A Decline in Personal Care
Have you noticed your loved one’s physical appearance is not as neat and put together as you’d typically expect to see? This may indicate another shift in their mental or physical capabilities. These everyday hygiene tasks can become increasingly more difficult or even hard for the elder to remember each day. It may also be embarrassing to ask for help with these simple tasks, leaving them feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. - You are Feeling Stress and Burnout as a Caregiver
Being a caregiver is often one of the most challenging and demanding jobs. As the demands of your loved one’s care increase, it can become stressful, overwhelming, and affect your own mental and physical health.You are not alone. So many struggle with the constant battle of wanting to do it all but knowing they need help – and it is OK! In fact, you should find support to ensure you can take the much-needed time to also care for yourself. This can lead to better help for both you and your loved one.
If you’re noticing the stress and the overwhelm leaking into all areas of your life, it’s time to start looking for additional help to assist you with some of the day-to-day tasks – even if it’s just for a couple of hours each day!
When it comes time for you to hire in-home care for your loved one, we are here to help with the transition.
Changes can occur unexpectedly, and we know that it can be a difficult conversation to have. Finding the proper care and understanding the benefits of additional help far outweigh the fears.
Connect with us, and we will help match your loved one with a high-quality, compatible caregiver to help you remain independent and safe at home.
