Knowing when to intervene with older relatives is a difficult one. In many cases, it’s made more difficult by the fact that they seem intent on doing everything themselves. After decades of your parents or loved ones leading their own lives, they don’t want to lose this independence. However, it takes a strong relative to step in and take action on their behalf. If dealt with sensitively, they hopefully soon understand that in-home care doesn’t need to remove their identity or independence. Long term care facilities like DANS in-home care and nursing services, offer services that will help your loved ones maintain their independence. Consider contacting a care facility to assist with any day-to-day activities that may be causing them difficulties.
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Missed Appointments and Meetings
For the elderly, forgetfulness is a worrying sign due to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia. If your relatives are starting to miss doctor appointments or social occasions, it’s essential to learn the reason why. Even if they have a sharp memory, this doesn’t mean they don’t have difficult driving, getting dressed, or washing. After learning the reason for their missed appointments, decide whether in-home care is necessary from here.
Poor Personal Hygiene or Living Standards
Sometimes, one of the most apparent signs of required help is either a lack of personal hygiene or poor living standards. After visiting, you might notice a smell around the home, mold in the fridge, trash piled up by the back door, or that your father hasn’t shaved in a while. Sadly, many elderly individuals are too proud to ask for help, even when they have dedicated dozens of years towards helping others.
Bathroom Accidents
Next, some elderly relatives can struggle to visit the bathroom due to injuries and ailments. Evidence of this includes messed bathrooms, soiled underwear, or even an unpleasant smell around the home. Though some people think that in-home care takes independence away, it actually allows them to keep a higher quality of life for longer. In many cases, it actually helps your relative to maintain their dignity as they age.
Financial Worries
Poor management of funds or forgetfulness with finances is another problem that plagues the elderly. Too often, this happens without family members knowing, and this leads to financial worries, debt, and even serious issues like bankruptcy and foreclosure on properties. Keep an eye on the finances of your loved one; signs include bounced checks and late payment notices. An in-home care assistant can provide reminders of important financial dates.
Seclusion or Loneliness
As time has gone on, we’ve learned more and more about the dangers of seclusion and loneliness in elders. Seclusion can increase the likelihood of cognitive decline (including dementia), increase the risk of death, and contribute to mental health problems. For many adults, they find their older parents starting to isolate. Even if they once held packed social lives, they begin to seclude, and this could be from the embarrassment of a problem, early signs of dementia, or another issue entirely. Either way, we recommend hiring in-home help to deal with the problem early rather than letting it develop.
Why Choose In-Home Care?
There are plenty of benefits that come with in-home care. This includes:
- Company and friendship (you can’t visit multiple times a day yourself!)
- Skilled nursing and assistance
- Flexible service (you pay for the help your relative needs – nothing more, nothing less)
- Peace of mind for yourself
- Support for ADLs (activities of daily living)
- Advice with nutrition and diet
- Management of finances
- Management of medication
With the right service, your relative can age with grace and dignity. Why not reach out for more information today?
