When you have an aging loved one at home there comes a time when you need to take a decision on their ongoing care. With age, people tend to loose physical strength as well as the ability to take right decisions and they have to be assisted is most of their daily activities. In some cases such as Alzheimer’s disease you might be advised by a physician to seek help from a professional caregiver. In other cases you need to spot for the signs that indicate the need for in home care. A professional caregiver can not only comfort their clients but can also bring about joy in the twilight of life. Let us now take a look at some of the signs that will help you realize the need of caregiver and how they help.
Change in Behavior
Is your loved one getting more emotionally charged or seems to be undergoing a personality chance? Change in behavior is one of the most common signs of aging and this can happen due to many reasons. Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is very common causes of behavioral changes. Also losing a partner in old age can result in loneliness and depression and cause changes in behavior. Other symptoms that you should spot are confusion and memory loss. In all such cases you need to immediately see a doctor and start medication. Along with medication your loved one would also require constant attention and care. This is where a caregiver fits into the role perfectly as they offer companionship and help seniors overcome loneliness.
Restriction In Physical Activity
Physical movement is severely restricted in old age and this may result due to joint problems, arthritis, and muscular weakness. You will need to notice for signs such as unable to walk distances they earlier could, prone to tripping and slipping, problems while climbing staircases, and difficult in standing up from a chair. When these occur the person would need a constant aid. A caregiver aids them with their physical movement and helps them move around in the home and outdoor. Studies have shown that seniors tend to gain back lost confidence when they have an aid by their side.
Issues With Medication
Is your loved one able to read and understand the directions in his/her prescription? Does he/she skip medication unintentionally or forget to refill prescription? This is something that is common among the aging generation. They skip their prescribed medication or take an overdose. This can lead to serious complications and pose threat to their health. In such situations you need to contact professional caregivers immediately as they would take care of all their medication and also make purchases on their behalf. Caregivers also have the training of responding to emergency situations and can help save the life of your loved one.
Problems With Food
Are they facing problems cooking their small meals or have trouble in restocking the pantry with essential food items? These are clear signs that they are in need of help. Along with these you might also notice signs of trembling hands while lifting utensils and find spoiled and out-dated food in the refrigerator. Meal preparation is one of the most popular caregiving services. Caregivers would prepare meals according to the preferences and diet charts and also do the dishes.
Personal Hygiene
Another sign that you should look out for is their personal hygiene. Do they brush their teeth or clean their dentures as often as they have done all their life? Do they bathe like before? Are they facing problems in putting on their own clothes? Do they take care of their hair and nails? Caregivers take care of the personal hygiene of their clients.
These are some of the early signs that would indicate the need of a professional caregiver for your loved one. Remember that a professional caregiver can make a lot of difference to how your loved ones live in the twilight of their lives. You must look for a professional agency hire the services of a well-trained caregiver.
About the Author– Scott Fagan having profound knowledge in the medical industry has highlighted the different vital prospects associated with home care services offered by CommonWealth Caregivers through the medium of this article.
Related items
How to Take Care of Yourself While Taking Care of a Loved One?
Remember: your needs are important too! Caring for a loved one is an emotional task and ca
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of the body.
Your body