Home Care Services Mooresville NC
When you first stepped into the role of being a family caregiver for your elderly parent it is likely that you had visions of handling everything on your own. In making the decision to take on this role you might have felt that it was your responsibility and your obligation to evaluate your parent’s challenges and handle all of their needs for them. You might think that this is your way of showing them how much you love and appreciate them, and ensuring that they get the level of support, care, and assistance that they need on a regular basis to live the quality of life that they desire and deserve.
While this motivation is admirable and normal for an adult child who wants what is best for their aging parent, it is not always practical. Caring for an older parent is extremely challenging, particularly if you are also caring for children, maintaining a marriage, managing a career, and handling other aspects of your life. There might come a time when you realize that there is just too much going on and you need some additional help to make sure that your parent stays healthy, happy, safe, and comfortable as they age in place.
Starting home care services for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make as a family caregiver to ensure that they are at their best throughout their later years. One way that you can make this decision confidently is by paying close attention to their behavior and condition when you are spending time with them. Focusing in on these details can indicate problems that can be resolved through the personalized assistance and support of an in-home senior care services provider.
Some things to look out for when visiting your loved one that might help you to determine when it is time to start home care services for them include:
• Disheveled or stained clothing
• Clothing that does not match or that is not complete
• Clothing that is not appropriate for the season, weather, or activity that you are doing
• Hair that is unkempt or dirty
• Obvious uncleanliness of the body
• Body odor
• Bad breath and other signs of serious dental issues
• Mobility issues such as a shuffling gait or noticeable difficulty getting up and down stairs
• Balance problems such as swaying, gripping objects as they walk by them, or challenges transferring in and out of chairs or other furniture
• A home that is not well kept, especially if they are generally clean and tidy
• Expired or spoiled food in the kitchen
• Noticeable problems with memory such as telling you the same thing several times or asking the same question repeatedly
• Non-compliance with their treatments or care guidelines from their doctor
• Difficulty keeping up with conversation or coming up with the right words when talking to you
• Noticeable changes in their personality or demeanor that could indicate a mental health concern.
