A change in functioning doesn’t have to necessitate a move to assisted living or a nursing home, but it does indicate a need for extra help to support one’s desire to age in place. Oftentimes, the responsibility of providing supportive care falls on family members, but hiring outside help may be necessary at some point to address increasing care needs. Ultimately, involving a professional caregiver can benefit both the senior and their family caregivers.
Recognize the Signs that an Aging Loved One Needs Help
It is often apparent upon arrival at a loved one’s home that things have gone awry. Household chores can become challenging for a number of reasons, but when upkeep has stopped to the point of extreme clutter and unsanitary conditions, it is a clear warning that outside help is required for maintaining health and safety in the home. Other signs include inadequate food in the house or evidence of weight loss, forgetting to take medications, and unexplained bruising that often points to changes in mobility.
Deviation from established personal hygiene routines is one of the most common red flags that family members observe. Although seniors may not bathe as frequently as they did when they were younger, a strong smell of urine or body odor or refusal to change out of dirty clothes, indicate it is time to step in. A noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care is a sure sign that a senior is struggling.
Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Burnout
If you are currently helping your loved one with grocery shopping, housekeeping, transportation to appointments, or managing their medications, be honest about how this added responsibility is affecting you, your family, and your schedule. Caregiving is emotionally demanding and physically exhausting. It is important for caregivers to recognize the signs of burnout and acknowledge when it is time to share the workload. If the level of care a loved one requires has become more than you can handle, or your level of involvement is causing anxiety or depression, hiring outside help may be the best solution for everyone involved.
How to Start the Conversation about Hiring Home Care
If you’ve noticed the red flags in yourself or your loved one, the time to start talking about hiring home care is sooner rather than later. Do not wait until a crisis occurs. But how do you bring up sensitive subjects related to aging?
Discuss what you’ve observed and ask your loved one what they think is going on. If they acknowledge the situation, ask what they think would be viable solutions. If they do not recognize a problem or shrug it off, use concrete examples to support your concerns.
LEARN MORE: Read post: When They Say No, 8 ways to introduce in-home care for seniors
Seniors will often go to great lengths to maintain their independence. Instead of focusing on how your loved one needs the extra help, emphasize that home care would actually be beneficial for you, too. Focus on the shared advantages of having an “extra pair of hands” available on a regular basis.
Remember, you are having a conversation with an adult, not talking to a child. Put yourself in their shoes and think of how you would want to be addressed in this situation. Patronizing speech will only put older adults on the defensive and convey disrespect.
Perhaps it would help to defer to an authority on this matter. Speak with their doctor about what you have observed. A physician who understands and shares your concerns will reinforce that accepting assistance is a crucial part of safely aging in place.
Hiring In-Home Care: What’s Next?
Hiring a home care company, like Superior Senior Home Care, is the next step in helping a loved one remain safe, healthy and happy at home. These services can be medical or non-medical in nature, are easily customized to meet a person’s unique and changing needs, and are delivered in the client’s own home.
Assure your loved one that they will be able to participate throughout the process of interviewing potential providers, deciding which company to hire and selecting a caregiver. This involvement will help them retain a sense of control over their situation and feel more comfortable when the services actually begin.
Caring for aging adults will always pose challenges and tough choices regarding their safety and independence. Fortunately, there are many resources available that can enable you to make confident caregiving decisions.
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Superior Senior Home Care offers a complimentary consultation with an advisor to help you determine your loved one’s home care needs. To schedule your free consultation, call 805.430.8767 or contact us online.
