When most people think of a home caregiver, they picture someone who lives in the home and provides around-the-clock care.
They may think of nursing care or a medical care aide who administers medication and medical treatment to patients who are bed-bound or have serious illnesses.
However, there are many different types and levels of home care. A caregiver can offer customizable, flexible support as-needed, coming to your home for a few hours a day or week to help you care for a loved one.
They can also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break to manage their own mental and physical health, take a vacation, run errands, or visit friends or family.
Here are some of the signs that your loved one may need part-time in-home care in Southern Arizona.
Poor Personal Care and Hygiene
One of the biggest early warning signs that an elderly person is no longer able to care for themselves is a decline in personal hygiene.
If your loved one starts to neglect their appearance or seems unkempt, dirty, or uncared for when you visit, that could indicate they need extra help. Watch out for:
- Strong body odor
- Dirty, unwashed, wrinkled, or damaged clothing
- Wearing the same clothes for days on end
- Matted, greasy, or unwashed hair
- Facial hair growth (for people who traditionally stayed clean shaven)
- Poor oral health, bad breath, or increasing dental problems
- Long, dirty nails
- Skin irritation, sores, or infections
Nutritional Deficiencies or Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
Elderly people have unique nutritional needs, and are at a greater risk of diet-related health issues as they age.
Poor nutrition can lead to weight gain or weight loss, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and other complications.
If you notice that your loved one is gaining weight or losing weight in an alarming way, you should intervene. Look for signs like:
- Unexplained or worsening fatigue or weakness
- Brittle, dry, and dull hair and nails
- Dry skin, rashes, sores, or cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Wounds that heal slowly
- Swelling of the legs, feet, or face
- Trouble walking, dizziness, balance issues, or numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Sudden emotional or behavioral changes
- Memory loss or cognitive decline
Diagnosis of a Serious or Chronic Health Condition
After being diagnosed with a serious or chronic health condition, your loved one’s care needs will change dramatically.
They may need to follow a strict diet, medication, and exercise routine. They may need to use a mobility aid, or avoid certain activities or challenges.
Their home may need modifications to facilitate their rehabilitation. Most importantly, they may not be able to live at home alone safely any longer.
A home caregiver will make sure your loved one gets the support and resources they need as they adjust to their diagnosis.
They will keep your loved one safe and comfortable and ensure they follow their care plan properly. This can reduce the risk of complications, relapses, and other dangers.
A Recent Hospitalization or Surgery
Another issue that can affect your loved one’s safety and comfort in their home is a recent hospitalization or surgery.
They may need to stick to a rehabilitation or physical therapy plan, take medication, manage pain and mobility problems, and follow a strict diet.
All of that can be hard to manage for an elderly person who lives alone, especially if it is hard for them to move around their home or get in and out of bed.
A caregiver will assist with the tasks of daily living like bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, and meal preparation.
They can also help your loved one follow their recovery, rehabilitation, or post-surgical plan.
One or More Falls or Injuries in the Home
Falls or injuries in the home could be a warning sign that your loved one is having mobility, balance, vision, or cognitive problems.
Leaving them in the home alone could increase their risk of another fall or a serious injury.
A caregiving agency can coordinate a home safety evaluation to identify safety hazards, recommend modifications for aging in place, and help you reduce your loved one’s risk of a fall.
Neglect of Pets or Plants
Another major warning sign that your loved one needs daily help in their home is if they start neglecting their houseplants, garden, or pets.
If you see plants dying from lack of water or notice that pets have gained or lost weight, are ungroomed or dirty, or have signs of health problems or neglect, it’s crucial to intervene right away.
You may need to find a temporary or permanent home for your loved one’s pets and hire a home caregiver.
A Home That Is Messy, Disorganized, or in Disrepair
It’s normal to have a messy or cluttered home if you are busy or just don’t like doing housework.
However, messy homes can pose a danger to the elderly as they may be more likely to fall or suffer from injuries or illnesses.
It can also be harder for them to find important things they need, like glasses, medication, mobility aids, and food.
If your loved one’s home is dark, messy, grimy, disorganized, or in disrepair, develop a plan to restore it to a safe, habitable condition.
Serious Memory Lapses or Signs of Cognitive Decline
While everyone occasionally has periods of forgetfulness, and that risk increases as you age, your loved one may also be at risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
If you notice serious memory lapses or any of these other signs of cognitive decline, make an appointment with their primary care physician or a social worker to evaluate their cognitive health:
- Losing things often or forgetting recent events
- Trouble finding the right words, following conversations, or understanding questions
- Asking the same question over and over
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Struggling with daily tasks they have managed for years
- Having trouble managing finances
- Exhibiting behavioral changes like severe anxiety or agitation, restlessness, mood swings, anger, or withdrawal
Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Socialization
If your loved one starts to withdraw from their hobbies, interests, or favorite activities, that can be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
If they stop communicating with family members or loved ones, they may feel isolated, lonely, depressed, and anxious.
If you notice that your loved one is no longer socializing or participating in their normal activities, try to find out why.
You may need to work with their physician, a social worker, or a therapist to get help finding a diagnosis or solution.
However, hiring a home caregiver can help. Caregivers are experts in elder care and can design a care plan that coordinates with your loved one’s physical, mental, and social needs.
They provide companionship, conversation, and assistance around the home and can help you encourage your loved one to enjoy their hobbies again.
Call Placita In Home Care Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you recognize one or more of the warning signs above, your loved one may need long-term or part-time in-home care.
Placita In Home Care specializes in professional caregiving services carefully personalized to each client’s unique needs.
We offer routine scheduled and respite care as well as in-home Alzheimer’s care, memory care, hospice care, and joint replacement care.
To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.