When to Consider an In-Home Caregiver

While most individuals over the age of 65 are independent and healthy, 70 percent will need daily assistance at some point. Knowing when to hire a professional caregiver isn’t always clear. Waiting too long could result in family caregiver burnout or more serious health issues for older family members.

Taking a proactive approach when it comes to caring for an aging loved one is essential. Keep reading to find out when it’s time to consider in-home care.

Signs An Aging Loved One Needs In-Home Care

Here are a list of common indicators that an aging loved one needs an in-home caregiver:

Lack of Personal Hygiene

Wearing the same clothes for days at a time or trouble keeping the body clean are signs that an aging loved one is having difficulty looking after themselves. A caregiver will make sure they bathe regularly and take care of their personal hygiene.

Issues with Balance and Coordination

An aging adult who needs an in-home caregiver will show signs of decreased balance or difficulty walking. These pose an increased risk for a fall. 1 in 4 older Americans fall every year, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.

Also, look for fall hazards in the home like stairs, step-in tubs, and uneven flooring. Hiring a caregiver will ensure that your loved one’s home is safe.

Signs of Depression or Loneliness

Mental health plays a major role in seniors’ overall well-being. A loss of interest in hobbies, social isolation, or changes in weight may indicate depression.

If an aging loved one exhibits these signs, it may be time to hire an in-home caregiver. Companionship care helps to ease their feelings of loneliness and depression.

Mistakes With Medication

75-96% of older adults make mistakes with medication. This could pose a serious health risk, and it indicates the need for supervised care.

Signs of Family Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving is an extremely demanding role. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to share the workload. Here are a few hallmark signs of family caregiver burnout:

• Increased Conflict
  For some people who care for their elderly loved ones, it can be difficult to separate their role as a caregiver from their role as a spouse, child, or other close relationship. This often causes interpersonal strain and conflict.
• Physical Exhaustion
  With the responsibility of lifting a loved one in and out of a bathtub or assisting with everyday tasks, caregivers are put at a higher risk of injury. Hiring a professional in-home caregiver reduces the chance of muscle strains and other physical discomforts.
• Depression
  Oftentimes caregivers sacrifice their own well-being to look after their aging loved one. Prolonged neglect of self-care and stress management leads to mental health issues. In fact, 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers experience symptoms of major depression.
• Social Withdrawal
  Caring for an aging loved one can be time-consuming. With increased demands, caretakers may withdraw from friends and family. Social isolation could result in feelings of irritability and resentment.

Hire a Trusted Professional

Making the decision to hire an in-home caregiver brings peace of mind for families and aging loved ones. It eases family caregiver burnout and ensures that senior family members are safe and well.

If you’re interested in hiring a caregiver, contact us for a private consultation. Our team at Celestial Care are the Valley’s premier in-home caregiving service, and we’d be happy to help you get what you need.