Dementia causes changes in a senior’s health and abilities. This requires developing a flexible care plan over time. Figuring out the level of care your senior loved one needs is easier when you know the signs of dementia. The following signs may indicate your loved one is ready to transition to 24-hour care.
They’re at Increased Risk for Wandering
Ideally, no senior with dementia will ever have a wandering incident. If your loved one has already wandered away from home, someone needs to stay near him or her at all times. If this hasn’t occurred yet, now is a good time to take measures to prevent it from happening. Around-the-clock caregivers may provide care during times your family might be unable to.
Cincinnati home care professionals may be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors may enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
They Wake Up Multiple Times during the Night
Late-night wandering isn’t the only thing an around-the-clock caregiver may prevent. A caregiver may also offer reassurance in the event your parent wakes up from a nightmare. The caregiver might address chronic pain or the need to use the restroom so your loved one can get back to sleep.
They No Longer Recognize Hazards in the Home
Seniors with dementia might not realize a container holds a toxic chemical. Instead they think it contains something safe to drink. They may forget they’re cooking and leave a pot of food on the stove. Also, older adults with dementia aren’t always able to tell when something is wrong. As a result, they might not exit the house during a fire or call for help if they smell gas. A 24-hour caregiver is available to handle any unexpected events that pose a risk to your loved one’s safety.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
They’ve Lost the Ability to Communicate Verbally
Dementia affects the ability to speak or comprehend what other people are saying. Dementia caregivers use alternative forms of communication with seniors who have dementia. For example, they might use a picture board to help seniors share what they need. Caregivers may also speak up for seniors by communicating their needs to doctors.
They Have Other Physical or Mental Health Conditions
Seniors with dementia might not remember to change a dressing on a wound if it gets soiled. Or, they may have severe anxiety or hallucinations and need someone to help them regain a sense of calm. These situations could occur at any time of the day or night. A 24-hour caregiver can be there in the event a challenging moment arises and help your elderly loved one.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they may still live independently at home with the help of professional in-home care. Cincinnati families rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Call us at 513-729-9999 to create a customized in-home care plan.
