The decision to begin providing additional care to an aging parent is not always easy. In fact, it is natural to question when the time has come. To determine if this is needed, there are a few signs to look for.
With the aging process, it is natural that ones mental and physical abilities are eventually affected, and these changes typically interfere with the ability to maintain an active, self-sufficient lifestyle.
Signs that an Aging Parent Needs Additional Help
Have you recently noticed changes? These sometimes-subtle changes in behavior are typically indicative of changes in mental or physical abilities.
Is there a difference in personal cleanliness or appearance? An example would be your mom once always did her hair and wore makeup, now you see her, and her hair has not been brushed or her clothes are wrinkled. While it is natural for seniors to reduce the amount of time spent on personal appearance, a smell of urine or body odor; or not changing out of dirty clothes is a sign that it is time to step up in assistance.
Mental changes can also occur and effect routines, such as forgetting to eat, shower or take medications. Physical changes can result in the inability to do housework or yard work or not doing a good job of it. Perhaps a change in balance and physical functionality has resulted in frequent falls, causing the bruising, etc.
Caregiving in Warrenville
Oftentimes, this responsibility falls onto family members, some of whom can provide additional care themselves. If you are a caregiver to your aging parent, it is important to be aware of signs of burnout. No matter how much we want to help our loved ones, caring for an elderly person is emotionally and physically demanding. It’s important to know the time to acknowledge the need to share the workload and ask for help. If you are feeling a sense of depression, anxiety, physical exhaustion or the level of your involvement has increased then it’s time to ask for help.
The good news is that in today’s world there are various services available that offer help with these increasing care needs and In-Home Care can help with these responsibilities while continuing to maintain a degree of normalcy in your aging parents’ life.
Having the Conversation of Hiring an In-Home Caregiver
If you are at the point of seeing the warning signs or if you’ve been feeling stressed about caring for your loved one, then waste no time in having a conversation about bringing in an In-Home Caregiver. While sometimes a difficult conversation, it is important, and you don’t want to wait until a crisis occurs.
A convenient conversation starter is to mention to your loved ones the concerns you have and ask for their feedback and opinions on the matter. During the conversation, turn it into a positive and focus on the advantages that extra help would provide.
We can help you with this conversation by offering suggestions that may help alleviate the awkwardness of it.
Call Us Today for A Free Consultation 331-281-0728