More seniors these days do have intentions of staying in their homes until the end of their lives. As desirable as it is for every individual to age in place at home, there may come a time when your elderly loved one needs more than just occasional assistance. A 24-hour senior home care service may need to step in and make sure your loved one gets everything they need at all times of the day or night. But how do you know when it is time to transition from occasional in-home care to 24-hour senior care? Here are a few signs it may be time.
1. Injuries Occur While They're Alone
Injuries are most likely to happen when a senior is all alone. The individual may be trying to handle more of their own care needs, such as cooking, cleaning, or showering, and they can sometimes push themselves beyond safe limits physically. If your loved one has sustained an injury while they were at home alone, it may be a sign that it is time to make some changes to keep them safe.
2. They Need Ongoing Assistance With Daily Living Activities
Everyday living activities can include a broad range of different tasks that people must do just to get by on any given day. Some examples of everyday living activities include:
If your family member is showing signs that they cannot handle these objectives on their own, 24-hour senior home care may be necessary.
3. They Struggle With Memory
Memory issues can come along with aging, but may also be related to some of the forms of dementia that can show up later in life as well. In either case, problems remembering can mean a senior is more at risk when at home alone. For example, the individual may forget to turn off the burner on their stove after cooking, lock the doors before bed, or take their prescribed medications. If your family member does have memory issues, it is definitely a sign that more care is needed, but may also indicate the need for 24-hour senior home care.
4. They're Worried About Being Alone
In some situations, the individual will convey that they no longer want to stay alone because they are afraid. Elderly individuals may be fearful because they are afraid of falling or getting injured with no one around to help, but they may also be fearful they cannot protect themselves if something were to happen. These anxieties should be taken seriously as they can be a major driver of further mental decline. Be sure to look into the 24-hour senior care options that may be available to help.
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