Three Signs It May Be Time For 24-Hour Home Care

If you have an elderly family member who is thriving in their own home, you may be probably reluctant to suggest switching to an assisted living environment, particularly if your senior seems firmly committed to aging in place. Aging in place simply means that the senior stays in their own home instead of entering an assisted living facility, nursing home, or moving in with relatives. Many prefer this option because it allows them to retain connections with neighbors as well as with their greater community with the help of part-time caregivers. They can by to help with housework, shopping, laundry, and meal preparation. However, there may come a time when your senior may need 24-hour live-in home care rather than part-time caregiving services. The following are three signs that it may be time to consider bringing 24-hour home care to the picture. 

An Increased Frequency of Falls

Falling and not being able to get back up is one of the biggest safety concerns when it comes to seniors living on their own. As you may know, electronic devices exist to provide alerts when seniors fall or otherwise need assistance. Although some technology has made life safer and easier for those who live alone, nothing really takes the place of having another human being in the house in the event of a technology malfunction.

Issues With Food Preparation and Storage

Seniors who live alone may be at risk of coming down with food-borne illnesses as the result of improper food preparation and storage. Even seniors who aren't experiencing significant memory loss may nonetheless experience moments of forgetfulness, which can result in scenarios such as cross-contamination, not discarding perishables that are passed their due date, consuming leftovers that have developed unhealthy levels of bacteria, and leaving cooked food on the counter for too long rather than placing it in the refrigerator. Using kitchen appliances such as ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves also pose safety risks for seniors.

Unexplained Wandering

If your loved one has recently developed a penchant for wandering off, it may be time to consider live-in care. Unexplained wandering is often one of the first signs of memory loss, and simply having someone else in the home provides an extra layer of protection in the event that your senior loved one begins to roam. Many people with senior loved ones in their lives may have greater peace of mind once 24-hour home care is a part of the picture. 

For more information, contact a 24-hour home care service.


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