How do I Know When it’s Time to Hire a Caregiver?
As we age, physical and mental changes may make it more difficult to perform activities of daily living that were once easy. When this happens, senior citizens may need help from others in order to sustain a better quality of life. Below are a few signs your loved one may be ready for a Keeping Good Company caregiver.
Decline in personal care:
It can become difficult for seniors to apply the same level of personal care that they once did. Their hair may start to appear unwashed, messy, or un-styled. Hands and nails may be untrimmed or dirty and they may even start to smell dirty or appear unwashed. It could be due to them forgetting to bathe or they may have trouble getting in and out of the bath without help. Caregivers can help encourage or remind them to take a shower and assist them with getting in and out of the bath as well. Some seniors may even begin to wear the same clothes for days at a time without realizing it.
Poor Nutrition:
Seniors may begin to have difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits such as forgetting to eat or eating too much which can cause unhealthy weight loss or gain. The refrigerator and pantry may start to become empty or stocked with old or expired foods, sometimes not being able to drive themselves to the store anymore can contribute to this. Losing the ability or will to cook meals may also lead to unhealthy quick and easy choices rather than good nutritious meals. Caregivers can cook and prepare meals as well as assist with grocery shopping. Some may even forget to drink enough fluids. Dehydration is common with someone who suffers with memory loss, sometimes it helps just to have fluid reminders.
Forgetfulness:
Mild forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. It becomes a problem when important appointments are missed, bills aren’t getting paid, or medication is being missed. Our caregivers can drive seniors to appointments, help keep them on track with day to day activities and even provide medication reminders.
Unsteadiness:
If you notice the senior in your life becoming unsteady on their feet and falling more frequently that would be a good indication that having a caregiver around is a good idea. Caregivers can provide stand by assistance to help prevent falls when walking. As mentioned above we can assist in bathing to prevent water related falls.
Loneliness:
Did you know according to a recent research loneliness and isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? How crazy is that?! According to the Health Resources and Services Administration 43 % of seniors feel lonely on a regular basis. Even if they are capable of living on their own, loneliness can take a serious toll on a person. If you notice that the senior in your life is depressed or lonely, they may benefit from companionship, which our caregivers can provide for them.
When we care for others, we often forget to care for ourselves. Even if it is hard, we must accept that we cannot do it all on our own. Avoid caregiver burnout and take advantage of the help Keeping Good Company can provide! Give us a call at 573-289-9767 if you are ready to hire a caregiver!
