They took care of you and made sure you had everything you needed as you grew into an adult that could care for themselves. We spend our whole lives trying to live to be the person our parents raised us to be, and still, it may not seem like “thank you” is enough. You may notice that your parents aren’t able to keep up as they once did or perhaps, they struggle to deal with the little intricacies of the day-to-day. This could be your opportunity to step in and help them to show your appreciation and love for them more. But, what if the time comes where they need more and you can’t provide it. That could mean that you have to introduce an in-home care company. But, what if a few hours here and there is no longer enough? Could that mean it’s time to step up from partial in-home care to 24-hour in-home care? Let’s discuss some of the signs that it may be time.
1. Poor personal hygiene
Have you noticed a backlog of laundry or that your parent is wearing clothes for multiple days at a time? If bathing has become an issue or proper dental care, then perhaps it’s time to discuss 24-hour in-home care. Perhaps bathroom safety has become a concern. If so, consider these bathroom safety solutions. Maintaining personal hygiene isn’t just a one time a day occurrence. Therefore, having someone there all the time would help ensure that your parent will have help in maintaining their personal hygiene and have someone on-site to keep you aware of any issues that may arise.
2. Accidents
If you are seeing more cuts or bruises on your parent, then it could be a sign that they are having trouble navigating safely in their home. We know that accidents happen, but if you are noticing an increase in accidents with your parent, then it could be time to plan for an increase in hours for in-home care.
3. Change in eating habits
Loss of weight or a change in eating habits could mean that your parent is having difficulty preparing meals or has lost interest in food. Having round the clock care would help maintain healthy eating habits or could help determine if this is a symptom of a larger issue.
4. Disinterest in social activities
Has mom stopped playing cards? Or does dad skip church these days? It’s understandable that as we age, we become tired more easily or feel less energetic, but that doesn’t mean we stop participating in social activities that we love. If your parent seems to be isolating themselves, it may mean that some intervention is needed. A 24-hour, in-home caregiver can help make sure that your parent has a ride to the book club or to family functions and can continue to enjoy social engagement with others.
6. You feel uneasy or uncomfortable
At any point that you feel uneasy or concerned for your parent’s well-being or ability to be on their own, it is a good sign more help is needed. If you are losing out on your regular sleep habits because you are tending to overnight care and issues that arise, you should consider more help.
If you see that your parent is experiencing any of these signs, you should consider contacting an in-home care company, like Shepherd’s Staff. By considering homecare or a 24-hour caregiver, you will help your parent maintain their independence. Allowing them to age in place with getting the care that they need and it will give you the peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care they need and deserve.