Being a caregiver isn’t a static situation, but that doesn’t mean that it’s obvious to you that your role is increasing. Having an idea when you need to be paying closer attention helps a lot, both so that you can eliminate confusion and so that you can be there for your senior in the way that she needs you to be.
Her Behavior Seems to Be Changing
Sometimes your senior’s behaviors are going to be the first thing you notice when her needs are changing. She may not even notice herself that some of her habits and behaviors are different, because she’s unconsciously compensating for that change. Some of the behaviors to watch for most intently could include isolating herself, making excuses not to go out, or memory issues.
Her Safety Is More of a Concern
If you’re feeling as if your senior’s safety is more at risk now than it has been, that’s a big reason for your role as her caregiver to start changing. You might need to change how you and she handle certain situations or it may be time to bring in more help. Elderly care providers can be a huge help in terms of keeping your senior much safer at home. They’re trained to recognize specific safety issues and either correct them or bring them to your attention to get them corrected.
Daily Activities Are Getting More Difficult
Your senior’s regular daily activities are likely ones that she’s been handling on her own for a long time already. When those start becoming more difficult, that can take a lot out of her. Having help from you or from elderly care providers handling tasks like getting dressed or with mobility can be just what she needs to conserve her energy.
Keeping up with the House Is More Difficult
It’s not just personal tasks that can present a problem, though. Your elderly family member may be having trouble with tasks around the house and those can add up to safety issues eventually. Not cleaning as often isn’t necessarily a horrible issue, but when clutter starts to build up, that becomes a tripping hazard. When you and other people are aware of the issue and working to correct it, that helps a lot.
Your senior’s situation can change rapidly, which also means that your situation as a caregiver can change rapidly, too. Being aware of what’s going on and what your senior needs matters a lot.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN ZEBULON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.