What Circumstances Suggest a Family Caregiver Needs Assistance?

By 9  am On

Most people find it difficult to ask for help, even in situations where it’s clear that assistance is needed. When it comes to family caregivers, many feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit they’re unable to manage caregiving responsibilities alone. However, this is the last thing caregivers should feel. Seeking assistance not only speaks to your desire to provide the highest level of care to your senior loved one, but it also allows you the respite you need to be the best caregiver possible. While each caregiver’s circumstances are different, the below situations are common among caregiving families and often indicate the need for assistance from a reliable, experienced, and highly trained caregiver. 

Your Loved One Complains about Being Bored

Family caregivers are often so focused on meeting their loved ones’ physical needs that they sometimes overlook their emotional needs. Handling the care needs of a loved one may be strenuous, and it may be easy to write off complaints of boredom. While boredom may seem like a minor problem, it may lead to more serious issues, such as withdrawal, loneliness, and even depression. 

If you’re finding it difficult to handle all of your loved one’s needs, consider getting help from a professional caregiver. Not only will the caregiver be able to foster a meaningful relationship with your loved one to combat depression, but he or she may also lend a helping hand with household activities, such as cooking and light housekeeping.

For families living in Columbus, in-home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Your Loved One Is Extremely Weak

If your loved one is weak—for instance, after a long hospital stay or a stroke—and is having difficulty performing daily activities like eating, dressing, or toileting, home care should be considered. Professional caregivers are specifically trained in how to assist seniors with bathing and other personal care needs while promoting their independence. They may also provide you with caregiving tips for transferring and mobility to ensure the safety of you and your loved one.

Caring for an aging loved one is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities may sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. When researching agencies that provide home care service, 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 may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.

Your Loved One Has Recently Been Diagnosed with an Advanced Condition

Degenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are becoming more common as our aging population continues to grow. Because safe and familiar environments may help caregivers address the symptoms of memory-related diseases, many families are choosing to care for their loved ones in their own homes. However, these types of conditions also require 24/7 care and monitoring, which leave caregivers physically and emotionally exhausted. 

Along with around-the-clock dementia care, home care agencies offer respite care. This way, family members may enjoy total peace of mind knowing a professional and highly qualified dementia caregiver is always by their loved one’s side. The help in addressing the complex symptoms of the disease may benefit both the senior and the family caregiver.

Aging in place may present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they may still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Columbus families may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their senior loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at 614-678-5887.