It’s easy to see why many people prefer aging in place instead of moving into an assisted living home. Living at home is more comfortable, helping people maintain a higher sense of independence and control over their daily routines.
Timing: When to Bring in Caregiver Services
Eventually, the situation reaches a point where the person can benefit from caregiver services. So how do you know when it’s time to bring in outside support for yourself or an aging loved one? Here are a few signs that the person can benefit from caregiver services:
1. A Decline in Personal Hygiene: Changes in the person’s appearance could indicate that they are having difficulty keeping up with personal hygiene. Look for red flags such as dirty clothing, piles of laundry, body odor, or dental issues.
2. Cleanliness at Home: If the home is always dirty or cluttered, then the person might need help keeping up with daily chores and home maintenance. Signs include garbage accumulation, dirty dishes stacked high in the sink, an overgrown lawn outside, or messy floors.
3. Unexplained Weight Changes: An increase or decrease in weight could indicate that the person needs help with meal planning and preparation. Sometimes, older adults need assistance with shopping and cooking healthy meals. Check the fridge and spend time with your loved one to observe their mealtime habits.
4. Memory Issues or Confusion: When memory issues start to pop up, it can have a domino effect on many areas of life. Cognitive decline might be a sign of dementia, or it could be an issue with medication management. Watch for symptoms like confusion in conversation, financial mistakes, forgetting family details, or overlooking routine tasks.
5. Mental Health Concerns: Loneliness is an issue that can affect people of all ages, but especially older adults living alone. Social isolation is a growing epidemic that can impact a person’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Pay attention to signs such as depression, not leaving the house or minimal social contact.
These signs are some of the earliest indications that a person can benefit from caregiver services. Eventually, older adults can reach a point where the need is more evident because they deal with physical challenges, falls, or mobility issues.
If you need help creating the ideal living conditions for your loved one, then Greenwald & Gerke is just a phone call away. We work with retirees and families in designing the optimal lifestyle and home. Call us at (844) 782-9674.
We also invite you to join us for the San Diego Alzheimer’s Walk on Oct. 16th. This annual fund-raising event benefits Alzheimer’s support and research here in San Diego. All are welcome to participate.
