Signs an Elderly Loved One May Require In-Home Care

There’s no set time frame for in-home care. Instead, families need to determine when this type of care is necessary for their ageing loved ones. When you notice behavioural changes that put your elderly loved one’s health in jeopardy, it may be time to step in and make changes that keep him or her safe, such as hiring an in-home carer. Here are some of the signs that may help you determine if your senior parent needs in-home care.

Frequent Accidents and Injuries

Scrapes and bruises could be a sign of mobility issues in older adults. When your loved one’s muscle strength begins to weaken, it may become difficult to walk, get up, sit down, and hold items. The injuries could also be due to poor brain health. For example, if your parent has difficulty remembering things, such as where objects were left, he or she may bump into the objects while walking around the house. Having someone inside the home could help your loved one navigate the premises without putting his or her health at risk. 

If your loved one is no longer able to live at home alone safely, a live-in care worker can be a tremendous asset. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Sydney East seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in carer.

Poor Eating Habits

Following a well-balanced diet can help your parent stay in good physical, mental, and emotional shape. The foods your loved one eats fight against toxins that could damage the brain, heart, and other organs. It’s important for these organs to function normally so your loved one can stave off cognitive decline as well as other age-related health conditions. Poor eating habits can also lead to restless nights and bad sleeping habits. However, you can opt for in-home care to ensure your loved one eats foods full of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients the body needs. 

A professional care worker can help your loved one shop for healthy foods and prepare nutritious meals at home. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Sydney East families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualised care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Bad Hygiene

When your parent stops taking care of him or herself, this could be due to poor cognitive health as well as a lack of social support. The signs of bad hygiene often include unkempt hair, dirty clothes, lack of showers or baths, and rotting teeth. Bad hygiene can also be caused by mobility issues and other daily challenges. With in-home care, your loved one can receive assistance with hygiene and other daily tasks pertaining to health.

Lack of Socialisation

If you notice your parent no longer goes on outings with friends or declines invitations to family gatherings, this could be a sign of isolation, which is common in older adults. Although it’s common, social isolation isn’t healthy, as it could lead to depression, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. However, in-home care can provide your loved one with companionship. An in-home carer can also encourage your loved one to attend social activities, regardless of whether he or she interacts with family and friends or attends community events. Socialising could boost your loved one’s mental and physical health and enhance his or her quality of life.

Companionship is one of the most important things a professional carer offers to seniors. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Sydney in-home care. Services available in our customisable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customise a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at [hca_phone] to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.