A big part of dealing with your loved ones getting older is arranging the necessary care. While many will put things in place for their retirement and long-term care, a large majority don’t. That responsibility then falls on siblings, children or other relatives.
In many cases, such as when recovering from surgery, dealing with late-stage Alzheimer’s or needing palliative care, it’s evident that a caregiver will be required or that an assisted living facility will be the best option.
However, in other circumstances, you may not be sure. Whether it comes down to needing 24-hour care or temporary assistance, the tips in today’s post will help you gain clarity and make the right decision regarding the ideal choice for your loved ones.
Making an Assessment
Though not always the case, questioning whether or not your family member or friend needs a caretaker is usually a sign that they do. Just to be sure, if you notice a few or most of the following signs, it will confirm that your loved one needs professional assistance:
Having multiple accidents
If accidents such as falls, slips and burns are occurring frequently, that requires immediate attention as this impacts their safety and can lead to more serious health problems.
Lack of attention to personal hygiene
Everyday tasks such as bathing, brushing one’s teeth and getting dressed may seem simple, but as you age, they can become difficult or tedious. If hygiene is not being taken care of adequately, a caretaker can be just what is needed to help manage these personal grooming tasks.
Problems with memory
This is one to pay special attention to as people may brush it off as a slip of the mind because it’s hard to admit that their memory is failing. Memory problems can lead to issues such as forgetting to take one’s medication, unpaid bills and not locking doors at night, which can all be detrimental, so it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Inability to perform their usual tasks
Be observant to see if you notice significant changes in how regular, everyday tasks are done. Typically, persons will operate at a slower pace as they age, but an inability to perform many daily tasks independently is a sign that help is needed.
Worsening medical conditions
You can also consult with doctors on this one, but if you realize that medical conditions are worsening and require additional care, hiring help will be your best option.
Mood changes and symptoms of depression
Very often, seniors get lonely. That, added to the number of changes occurring as they age, can also make them prone to depression. When people think of caretakers, they don’t often realize it, but they can also provide a level of companionship that many older adults seek and need.
BONUS POINT: You deserve a much-needed break
We’re calling this the bonus point because it’s a sign you’d notice within yourself, unlike the others. It also refers to the need for temporary rather than permanent assistance. So if you’re the caretaker for your loved one and need a break from your duties to reset, enjoy a vacation or attend to important matters but don’t want to leave them alone, you can get a caretaker. Many facilities offer respite care. Rest assured, knowing that those you love will be cared for while you’re away until you can resume your duties.
Finding the Right Caregiver
If you’ve determined by now that your loved one does need a caregiver, we’re here to remind you to do your due diligence. Many people don’t have the time to dedicate to caregiving, and due to urgency, they may be tempted to go with one of the first companies or persons they find. That’s because accessing home care assistance in Spokane is the easy part.
However, we encourage you to take the time and do adequate research to choose the best facility that will meet your family's needs. Making this extra effort upfront can save you lots of money and time later.
Access Quality Care - The Reviews Speak for Themselves
When it comes to home care in Spokane, Comfort Keepers is a top choice. Our qualified and professional staff is committed to helping seniors live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes. We also provide specialized care such as end-of-life, in-facility or Alzheimer’s care.
Interested in learning more? Contact us and one of our trained care coordinators will set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
