In working with clients who are caring for a loved one at home, we are often asked, “When is it time?” or “How will I know?” In other words, when will be the appropriate time to seek help? These questions might indicate that things are going okay for the moment, but there are signs at home that changes might be required in the near future.

Or, in retrospect, after working with a client who has been caring for a spouse or parent for many years, the person may share, “I wish I had done something sooner.” Of course, we always have a clearer perspective when we can look in the rearview mirror and see all the facts.

Because we don’t know what the future holds, and every caregiving situation has a unique set of circumstances, we are committed to educating family members who are caring for a loved one at home, so they know what resources are available and how to access them. Unfortunately, sometimes individuals tend to ignore the warning signs and wait too long to seek solutions. Here are some factors to consider that may give you a better idea about when it may be time to take action:

Wandering – a loved one being up at night can interrupt vital sleep. Additionally, if your loved one is wandering away from home at night, this can be a major safety issue.

Behaviors – outbursts of anger or disruptive actions can be very exhausting, and caregivers may have to find alternate ways to communicate with someone who suffers from memory loss.

Physical decline – a dramatic physical decline due to prolonged illness or a series of strokes can weaken someone’s body so that even simple tasks, like lifting an arm to get dressed or transferring from the bed to a chair, may require more than one person.

Falls – a person who has repeated falls is at risk for injury and hospitalization, and this may indicate the need for increased oversight and standby assistance.

Constant supervision – concern about the safety of your loved one if left at home alone for any extended amount of time while you attend to your daily routine or basic errands.

Need for more activity or socialization – a person may be receiving exceptional care for his or her physical needs, but still need more time to connect with other peers.

Don’t Wait for the Crisis!
It can be overwhelming when a senior in your life is in need, especially when in a crisis. It is our hope that families would learn about the options available so that they are more prepared when the crisis happens. If you have questions or concerns about elder care, we are here to help! When you call Senior Care Solutions, you will speak directly with a Family Consultant who will listen and learn about your situation. Our goal is to get you connected with the resources that best fit your needs.

Article provided by Senior Care Solutions Staff