It is almost impossible to imagine how difficult it can be to deal with the care of a senior loved one. Allowing your senior loved one to live at home as long as possible is an intriguing option, as it allows them to remain in their familiar surroundings after they are no longer able to live on their own or make decisions for themselves. If you plan to look for assisted living or in-home care for your loved one, you should be aware of the signs that indicate they might need 24 hour senior care. That can help both you and them better achieve the increasingly challenging goal of finding a balance between independence and safety. Below are the signs to help you know if your senior loved one needs 24-hour senior care.
MEMORY LOSS
Many senior citizens experience memory loss as they age, but this condition does not necessarily mean that they require 24-hour care. If your loved one is struggling to remember even the most essential things like their name or address, it is time to have a serious talk about whether or not it is time for them to leave their home and get in touch with 24-hour senior care.
LOSS OF INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES
Sometimes your loved one becomes more interested in another person or activity other than themselves. If this is the case, it is time to ask yourself if they are being taken care of properly and start looking into 24-hour senior care options. However, if you notice that their passion for a particular hobby or sport has disappeared, it might be time to discuss needing 24-hour care.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS LIKE CONSTIPATION OR HEARTBURN
If you notice any physical symptoms such as constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea in your loved one, it might be time to reach out to 24-hour care options. That is especially important if their physical symptoms are ongoing or they are not responding to any home remedies.
CHANGES IN MOOD
Seniors with dementia often experience mood swings with no apparent cause. They may become depressed or anxious for no apparent reason or appear more irritable and impatient than usual. The behavior of your loved one should also be a factor if you notice they have a personality change, such as a lot more patience or they do not care about things that used to be vital to them. When such signs are present, it might be time to begin asking questions about your loved one’s mental health and how the disease might affect it.
TROUBLE SLEEPING AND SLEEPING PATTERN CHANGES
Seniors who have dementia may experience changes in their sleeping habits and patterns. While they might be able to sleep soundly throughout the night, they may also fall asleep at odd hours or even not all night. They may also have trouble getting comfortable in their beds. If this happens more often, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a 24 hour senior care in Durham NC for some tips on changes in sleeping patterns and how to help seniors with dementia feel more comfortable.
PROBLEMS WITH WALKING AND BALANCE
Balance problems are fairly common among people with cognitive impairment, especially when walking or getting in and out of bed. When seniors have trouble standing up from a chair or keeping their balance, it is a red flag for further health issues that can complicate everything. You may also notice that your loved one takes longer to accomplish daily tasks like making dinner or grooming, indicating that they need extra help to safely complete these activities. Therefore, if their mobility is rapidly declining due to dementia or another condition, then a home health care aide will be able to assist them in performing essential tasks and giving them a little more freedom.
DIFFICULTY WITH DAILY TASKS
If your loved one suddenly has difficulty with everyday chores, such as cleaning the toilet, washing their hands, and dressing, it might be time to consider the services of a 24 hour senior care in Durham NC. A home health nurse can assist them with simple tasks like these to continue to enjoy greater independence.
DIFFICULTY EATING OR SWALLOWING PROPERLY
If your loved one has difficulties in eating or swallowing food, it is critical to talk about this concern and have a home health nurse come in and help them get the support they need to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. That will help them feel more secure in their surroundings and continue receiving all the love they deserve.
If your loved one has signs of needing 24-hour care, then you can talk to them about making the transition. A good caregiver will be able to listen to their concerns and help them find the right fit for their unique situation. If you are trying to determine if your loved one needs 24-hour care, contact a 24 hour senior care in Durham NC and get the help you deserve.