Families often wonder how they will know when their senior loved one needs additional care to continue living at home. While many of the changes that accompany aging are subtle, there are signs your loved one may be having difficulty living alone. Fortunately, La Mesa, CA, home care agencies such as Coast Care Partners provide support that is the ideal solution for many of the challenges seniors face, and you can watch for the following signs to determine when professional assistance is needed.
Sustaining a Fall-Related Injury
Although everyone occasionally trips and falls, the results of such an accident can be devastating for seniors because they may experience severe injuries that are difficult to recover from, such as broken bones. You should be especially concerned if your loved one experienced a fall that could have been prevented, such as slipping while getting out of the bathtub. Professional caregivers give just enough support with these types of tasks that seniors still do most of it independently without increasing the risk of falling.
Forgetting to Take Medicine
Memory lapses in the senior years typically start off mild, such as forgetting someone’s name. However, forgetfulness can take a serious turn when your loved one skips medication time. Whether your loved one has had a medication mishap that required medical treatment or you notice his or her prescriptions are piling up, La Mesa in-home caregivers can help with medication management so your loved one stays on track with his or her treatment plan.
Exhibiting Signs of Depression
It’s important to focus on your loved one’s physical health, but you must also consider how he or she is doing emotionally. Seniors who live alone are more likely to experience feelings of depression and isolation. These emotions may be especially strong after the recent loss of a spouse or family pet. Arrange for your loved one to have a caregiver stop by a few hours each week, even if it’s just to say hello. Your loved one can enjoy greater emotional health when he or she has someone to look forward to visiting with each day.
Receiving a New Health Diagnosis
Older adults often encounter new health conditions that affect the ability to live independently. For instance, your loved one’s arthritis may flare up to the point that he or she needs help with cooking tasks such as opening jars and chopping vegetables. Alternatively, your loved one’s incontinence may interfere with his or her comfort. After a new health diagnosis, always assess how it affects your loved one’s lifestyle so you can arrange for help as needed.
Maintaining Poor Personal Hygiene
It can be disconcerting to find out your loved one who always kept a pristine house now no longer sweeps the floor. Alternatively, you may worry about your loved one not showering often enough to maintain good hygiene. Seniors may stop cleaning or bathing due to pain, fatigue, or a feeling that it no longer matters. When this happens, arranging for a caregiver to help can allow your loved one to continue to live in a clean and hygienic environment.
Get in touch with Coast Care Partners if you are concerned about your elderly loved one’s ability to age in place safely and comfortably. We serve all of San Diego County, and our caregivers can assist with a wide array of tasks, including managing personal care such as bathing and dressing, preparing nutritious meals, and providing transportation to and from medical appointments. Call 619-354-2544 today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives.
