Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to connect with your family and spend quality time with the loved ones you may not have been able to see often throughout the year. As a family caregiver it is also a chance for you to evaluate your parent and their condition so that you can determine if they may need additional assistance or care to handle their needs.
Some signs to look for during the Thanksgiving holiday that your parent might need home care include:
- Disarray in the home that is uncharacteristic of your parent
- Spoiled food in the kitchen or not enough food for your parent
- Lack of preparations in the home that your parent usually does
- Clutter such as a buildup of mail or other trash throughout the home
- Body odor or other indications that your senior is not bathing properly or often enough
- Your parent wearing clothing that is stained, torn, does not fit, or is not appropriate for the season or event
- Confusion or inability to follow through with conversations
- Difficulty eating or seeming confused about what or how to eat
- Overdue bills or letters from creditors
Signs of incontinence that is not effectively managed
If you notice these or any other signs that your parent might have needs that they are not handling effectively, sit down with your parent and talk to them about it. Express your concerns and talk about the possibility of starting home care and how you believe this type of care could help your parent and boost their quality of life.
Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult can be extremely challenging, but fortunately home care is there for you. An elderly care provider can make a tremendous difference in your parent's quality of life, and in your life as well. The highly personalized services of this care provider can ensure that your aging parent's individual needs, challenges, and limitations are met in ways that are right for them. This not only helps them to stay healthy, happy, comfortable, and safe, but also promotes greater independence, activity, and fulfillment as they age in place. For you, this can ease your stress and allow you to step back some from your parent's care efforts, enabling you to focus on other needs in your life such as your children, your partner, your career, and yourself. This not only protects your health and well-being, but allows you to give the effort you can as effectively, efficiently, and meaningfully as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Holt, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.