Signs Your Elderly Loved One’s Care Needs Are Changing
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Seniors often require changes to their care plan as they advance in age or receive a new health diagnosis. However, the changes in abilities are often so subtle that you might not notice them right away. Watch for the following warning signs that your aging loved one’s care needs are changing so you can make the appropriate arrangements.
A Long-Term Health Condition Is Advancing
In the senior years, long-term health conditions can suddenly take a turn for the worse. Alternatively, you may need to adjust your loved one’s care plan as he or she moves to the next stage of a chronic condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. Try to research your loved one’s health condition so you can be alert for the warning signs that he or she has advanced into the next level of care. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Des Moines families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Negative Emotions Are Being Expressed
Frustration is common when a senior’s care plan is not meeting his or her needs. For instance, your loved one may become irritable if he or she spends too many hours alone, or he or she may express anger when unable to complete a necessary task such as getting dressed. When your loved one begins to act out, you must take action to resolve the situation. Often, all it takes is some compassionate assistance from a caregiver to get seniors back to their happy selves.In Des Moines, IA, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
The House Needs Maintenance
Seniors should be kept safe from hazards that could affect their health, such as clutter on the floor. However, housekeeping chores are often one of the first things to go when a senior is facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Fortunately, you can arrange for help with housekeeping tasks that may no longer be possible for your loved one to complete alone.
Important Tasks Are Being Forgotten
Your loved one might have once been the first person to show up for events, and you know he or she took prescribed medication religiously. Now, you’ve noticed he or she has missed critical appointments, even when they are on the calendar. Your loved one may also demonstrate dangerous memory lapses such as failing to take medication as prescribed or forgetting to turn off the stove. Memory loss could be caused by a new health issue such as dementia, or it could be a side effect of fatigue. Either way, you must make sure your loved one has help at home to prevent a serious accident from happening due to a memory lapse.
Mobility Is Decreasing
Seniors who value their independence often find ways to get around despite issues such as joint pain. However, most seniors eventually experience some challenges moving from one place to another. Spend some time observing how your loved one completes daily tasks. If your loved one can no longer reach, stand, or walk independently, he or she may need more assistance with the activities of daily living. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive 24-hour care. Des Moines seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (515) 264-2438 today.