Many seniors cherish their independence and privacy, and they may be resistant to change. However, there may come a time when living alone without assistance isn’t an option. If you notice any of the following signs the next time you visit your senior loved one, it may be time to hire an in-home caregiver.
Unkempt Appearance
If your loved one isn’t well groomed or has strong body odor, he or she may be experiencing cognitive decline. Other factors such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness may also be the reason for a lack of grooming and good hygiene practices. An in-home caregiver can make sure your loved one bathes frequently, wears clean clothes, and remains free of body odor. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of developing bacterial infections, itchy skin, and allergies.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
No Food in the Refrigerator
Make sure to check your loved one’s refrigerator the next time you visit. If it’s empty or contains spoiled food, consider hiring a caregiver. If spoiled food is consumed, it could lead to food poisoning, which can be life-threatening for seniors and people with certain medical conditions. An in-home caregiver can ensure your loved one has healthy foods to eat and assist with meal preparation.
Bedsores
Immobility, sitting or lying in the same position for long periods, incontinence, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease can raise the risk of bedsores. Also known as decubitus ulcers, bedsores can quickly progress and become infected. If your loved one has bedsores, he or she may be unable to live independently. An in-home caregiver can keep your loved one clean and dry after incontinence episodes, make sure he or she is turned and repositioned so pressure is relieved from bony prominences, and call the doctor to schedule an appointment so the bedsores can be evaluated and treated. If bedsores go untreated, damage to the muscle and underlying bone may occur. They can also cause a severe bone infection known as osteomyelitis, which may require hospitalization.
Some seniors with mobility limitations or health issues find it challenging to live safely on their own. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Anchorage, AK, live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.
Weight Changes
If your loved one has lost or gained a substantial amount of weight recently, you’ll need to find out why. Weight loss may indicate a medical condition, or it may mean your loved one has forgotten to eat. It may also suggest he or she is no longer able to prepare meals or is simply too depressed to eat. Weight gain may mean your loved one isn’t eating enough healthy foods and is consuming too much junk food instead. Perhaps he or she no longer enjoys eating alone. An in-home caregiver can monitor your loved one’s eating habits and weight and notify the physician if changes occur.
With the help of a highly trained, compassionate professional caregiver, your loved one can enjoy aging in the safety and comfort of home. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide elderly home care, Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.