As parents get older, their families are confronted with the question of, “how can we best support their independence and well-being?”
At Just Like Family, we understand the necessity and peace of mind that comes with finding the right care for your loved ones. While senior care facilities, aka retirement homes, may be a valid option, many families try to prioritize keeping their parents in the most comfortable and familiar place – home. This is when researching private at-home caregivers becomes a valuable consideration.
But how do you know when it’s time? Here are a few scenarios.
Long-Term Behavioural & Mood Changes
Everyone has an off day, or a forgetful one. It’s when unexpected changes in behaviour and mood such as raw irritability, frequent confusion and social withdrawal become consistent or every day that it’s time to take a closer look.
These may be signs of cognitive decline or other underlying health issues. No matter how far along they may be in these changes or diagnoses, an in-home caregiver could be of assistance, providing monitoring, support and companionship without your loved one feeling “watched” or “hovered over.”
Loneliness & Isolation
Touching on the point of social withdrawal, it’s crucial to recognize the toll on health that loneliness can take on older adults.
Many seniors find themselves isolated over time as social circles shrink and their mobility declines, increasing their risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
In these cases, an at-home caregiver can help to combat feelings and results of isolation with companionship and engagement in activities, providing a needed sense of security and interaction.
Managing Chronic Conditions
It can be very difficult for families to manage their own day to day schedules and needs while meeting the needs of a loved one dealing with a chronic condition. It’s easy to feel guilty about “not doing enough” or even “letting someone else do it” but we can assure both that you’re doing enough and there’s no shame in asking for help.
With conditions as common as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illnesses and arthritis can come a range of added tasks such as treatment plan adherence, symptom monitoring and medication management.
At-home caregivers can provide specialized care, assisting with medical appointments, monitoring vitals and symptoms, administering medications, preventing accidents and assisting with mobility. They also offer overall mental support and companionship to your loved one, ensuring they not only feel taken care of but also feel human in their new needs, rather than just another patient or “burden” (as many claim to be) needing to be taken care of.
Challenges with IADLs
Essential for maintaining independence, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLs, can become increasingly difficult as our loved ones age.
As tasks such as preparing meals, upkeeping the household and taking care of finances become more challenging, this can be a major contributor to long-term declines in mental health and overall well-being. Having an in-home caregiver can alleviate these frustrations as they support your loved one with household support and personal care, maintaining quality of life, safety and self-satisfaction.
What Comes Next
Once you recognize the signs that it may be time to consider at-home private care for your loved one, we at Just Like Family know that the next steps require careful consideration and planning.
Our team understands the challenges you may be facing and are committed to providing compassionate, reliable care to not only your loved ones but also your own inquiries, updates and peace of mind.
Our experienced caregivers are here and dedicated to assisting your loved ones in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
If you’re even just considering in-home care, we encourage you to contact your local Just Like Family Home Care office. You can also call us at 778-244-7742 (Lower Mainland) or 250-888-8211 (Island Locations)