Tips On Knowing When In-Home Care May Be The Solution For Your Atlanta Family
Coming to grips with the reality that a loved one needs in-home care can be difficult. A loved one may be faced with an illness that takes away some of their independence. However, families can come together to address the care needs and find in-home care solutions that are compassionate and allows your loved one to live independently in their own home. Knowing some of the signs that a loved one is ready for in-home care can help families join together to address the need and find in-home care solutions within the greater Atlanta area.
1. Falls Are Happening Frequently
One of the first signs that a loved one may need in-home care is falling. As senior adults age their gait changes along with age-related loss of muscle mass leading to balance issues.
“In 2020, emergency departments recorded 3 million visits for older adult falls.” CDC.gov
More than one out of four elderly adults over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. 95% of hip fractures occur in seniors due to falls and can take up to a year for recovery.
2. Medications Are Not Being Taken Correctly
As we age, or if we are battling a major illness, medications often become a part of everyday life. Some of these medications not only can have side effects but can be dangerous if not taken correctly.
If you observe that a loved one is mismanaging their prescriptions or missing them altogether, this is often a sign that they need in-home care. A CNA can help assure that medications are taken as prescribed by their physician.
Overdosing in seniors is a common risk due to declining memory. Even more concerning is that overdoses can occur from over-the-counter medications as well as prescribed medications if they are not taken correctly.
3. Eating and Drinking Properly Are Becoming a Concern
Eating healthy meals and staying hydrated is essential for good health especially when aging or battling chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. If a loved one is missing meals and dealing with dehydration issues, this is often a sign that they need help with daily life tasks.
4. Hygiene is Becoming An Issue
Frequently the lack of proper hygiene is directly related to limited mobility or cognitive decline. This is another sign that daily living assistance may be required.
Poor hygiene for a sick or elderly loved one can result in additional health issues. These may include:
- Sores that Won’t Heal
- Rashes and Skin Irritations
- Depression
- A Weakened Immune System
- Infections (including Sepsis – which can enter the bloodstream)
5. A Loss of Socialization
5. A Loss of SocializationOne of the hardest things to overcome as we age can be the loss of socialization with peers. Our senior adults begin to lose friends due to age and/or illness. Socialization is proven to be an essential component for healing and staying cognitively aware.
“Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.” CDC.gov
If your senior loved one is battling depression, it can be related to a loss of human interaction. And while family relationships are critical, members are often not trained or available to offer daily companionship. Isolation can become a problem. An in-home care provider can be a great solution for offering social interaction. An in-home caregiver can help seniors with outings keeping them active and less isolated.
Signs of Senior Depression
- Loss of Interest in Activities
- Fatigue – Decreased Energy
- Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness
- Irritability
Trinity Life At Home Offers Atlanta Families Literally, A Life At Home
At Trinity Life at Home, we understand the challenges when a family needs in-home care for their loved one. We have over 14 years of providing dedicated, compassionate in-home care services in the greater Atlanta area. We are known for having some of the most exceptionally skilled, highly trained, and servant-hearted caregivers.
Our services include:
- CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants
- Daily Living and Personal Tasks
- Medication Reminders
- Socialization (Outings and Companionship)
- Transportation
- In-Home Dementia (Memory) Care
- Private Duty Nursing
- Post-Op Surgery Care
Being able to have a loved one stay in their family home as long as possible, or as they recuperate from surgery, offers comfort and peace for your loved one. It encourages better health for seniors and greater post-op recovery results.
You can trust Trinity Life at Home to provide the customized in-home care you or your loved one needs. We are committed to helping families who are faced with difficult decisions about care as well as those needing quality post-op surgical care.
