As people grow older, everyday activities that they once found effortless may now be difficult or even impossible. Families will often begin by caring for their loved ones at home, in part to be able to keep them safe and comfortable in a familiar setting. For many Canadians, home care is manageable early on – particularly where seniors require aid with just a few activities.
But things can change, health-wise, over time. Memory loss, safety issues, and health concerns can also increase. Family member/relative who cares for the patient may be tired or overwhelmed. When these changes occur, home care might not address the needs. The sooner seniors can recognize these warning signs the safer they will be, so that they can remain healthy and become well-cared for.
When you are in need of Dementia Care in Burnaby, one of the steps is to know when to consult a professional. The following are some of the indicators that in-home care might not suffice anymore.
- Increasing Safety Risks
One of the paramount issues that emerge among aging adults, particularly elderly living with dementia is safety. You may notice:
• Wandering or getting lost
• Leaving stove or kettle on
• Falling more often
• Difficulty in going around the house safely
• Forgetting to close doors or shut off taps
• Skipping meals or dehydration
When these occurrences become common, it is often hard for caregivers to cope with them single-handedly at home. Safety concerns may also result in accidents or emergencies. This is a strong sign that the individual could benefit from professional help or at least some sort of monitoring.
- Struggles with Daily Personal Care
Over time, many older people have been gradually losing the ability to care for themselves. Home care may provide assistance initially, but as needs increase it can become more difficult for families to handle. Common signs include:
• Problems with bathing or taking a shower
• Problem with changing clothes or bathing
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of proper care causes skin rashes or infections
• Difficulty toileting or managing incontinence
• Requiring assistance going to and from bed
In situations where simple daily care is no longer a possibility, the presence of trained caregivers to provide regular, safe, and respectable care is beneficial to seniors.
- Growing Cognitive Decline
For those families looking for Dementia Care in Burnaby, here is one of the main signs to keep an eye on. It damages the memory, judgment and behaviour of those who have it. They typically start to pop up slowly, but over time can become more visible.
These signs are:
• Forgetting known people or places
• Are confused about time or location
• Keep asking the same questions
• Easily gets upset or anxious
• Changes in personality or mood
• Difficulty following instructions
• Wandering, especially at night
Experiencing a loss of interest in interests or conversation
As dementia advances, elderly persons might require additional attention and specialized care that home care cannot offer.
- Increased Medical Needs
Many older adults struggle with multiple medical problems. Schedule of taking different medicines at different time can be chaotic and confusing. Symptoms may change quickly. They might require more frequent health checks.
Signs that home-care isn’t enough for medical needs:
• They might miss a dosage or take a wrong one
• The existing health condition deteriorates or the new one adds up.
• Find it extremely difficult to manage chronic ailments
• Frequent hospital visits
When such complex medical needs, it becomes more evident to hire professional support to prevent emergencies.
- Reduced Emotions and Social Well-Being
Elders require more than just physical care. Their emotional and social health is equally important. Elders in their golden era often don’t have many people around or anything to do. This loneliness and lack of any feel-good activity can make them feel
• Depressed or sad
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Anxiety or fear
For seniors with dementia, the lack of socialization can be confusing and isolating. Professional caregivers can provide companionship, structure and purpose.
- You Feel Unsure or Worried All the Time
A constant feeling of nervousness can often be the greatest sign of all. Perhaps you just have a feeling that something might happen to your loved one when he or she is home alone You might not be sure of whether you are doing enough. You might think that they require assistance that you are not able to provide.
These feelings matter. Trust your instincts – it’s important. If you are not able to, then maybe it’s time to seek professional help.
Moving Toward the Right Level of Care
The decision to switch towards a more professional support is not a simple one. But sometimes it is the safest and most loving. It helps seniors stay safe. It makes life better for them. It reduces stress for families. And it offers specialized care suited to their needs – especially those who require Dementia Care in Burnaby.
When care needs keep growing, early action makes a difference. It is always better to make a planned transition rather than wait until there is a crisis. Consult your physician, chat with your loved ones and seek trained workers who can help get to know the special needs of your loved one.
How D&M Home Care Can Help?
D&M Home Care Ltd. can be here to assist, should you be worried that the home support you have isn’t enough. Our staff will provide personal care, companionship, dementia assistance and customized care plans which promote safety, dignity and independence. We assist families throughout Burnaby and the surrounding communities in making appropriate care decisions at the right time.
