If your aging parent develops a serious medical disorder, mobility issues, or cognitive deficits, he or she may no longer be able to manage daily activities. When seniors are no longer able to perform household chores or the normal activities of daily living, they may be at risk for accidents or injuries. Here are some things you can do when your parent can’t manage daily activities so he or she can get some much-needed help.
Gently Explain Why Help Is Needed
Many seniors may not want to admit they’re no longer able to manage their homes or care for themselves. If this describes your parent, gently explain to him or her why living alone could lead to an accident, injury, or illness. If your parent isn’t cognitively impaired, he or she will have the reasoning ability to understand why getting help is so important.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Interview In-Home Caregivers
Hiring an in-home caregiver may prevent your parent from having to leave home to live in an assisted living facility. While you’ll need to participate in the interview process, invite your parent to join in as well to give him or her more power in the decision-making process. Have your parent ask the prospective caregiver relevant questions and determine if he or she likes the company of the caregiver. Hiring an in-home caregiver without first consulting with your parent may lead to distrust, fear, and negativity.
When researching agencies that provide home care, Columbus families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.
Monitor for Depression
Depression can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and if your parent develops depression, he or she may be unable to get out of bed to perform daily activities. Seniors may become easily depressed because of preexisting medical conditions, medication side effects, the recent loss of family and friends, and loneliness. If your loved one tells you he or she is depressed, or if you notice an increase in crying, agitation, or sadness, call his or her physician right away. The sooner depression is recognized and treated, the sooner your parent can resume his or her normal routine.
Schedule a Physical Examination
Your parent may be unable to manage daily activities because of a medical issue. Make an appointment with your loved one’s physician to determine if a health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, or another disorder may be causing fatigue, weakness, loss of strength, or dizziness.
In addition to medical disorders, your parent may be experiencing side effects of medication. The physician can review your parent’s medications and determine if they’re causing adverse reactions. If so, it may be possible to discontinue those medications and replace them with different ones that are less likely to cause side effects. Once medical conditions and drug side effects have been recognized and treated, your parent may once again be able to manage his or her daily activities.
Caring for an older adult with serious health issues can be challenging. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Columbus, OH, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.
