Should You Choose 24 Hour Care Services For Your Loved One? The Questions To Ask Right Now
When will your aging parent or grandparent require 24 hour care services? Take a look at the questions to ask before you decide whether to hire a 24/7 caregiver for your loved one.
Is Your Loved One at Risk for a Serious Fall?
Three million seniors are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure includes 800,000 hospitalizations and 300,000 hip fractures. Mobility issues, medication use, and some types of medical conditions can all contribute to falls.
If your parent or grandparent is at risk for a fall or has a fall-related injury, they need help 24-hours a day. This extra assistance can reduce the risks and help you to feel more comfortable about your loved one's safety.
Does Your Loved One Have Memory Issues?
Whether your parent or grandparent has Alzheimer's disease or another type of memory impairment, it's likely they need extra help during the day and night times. Even though your loved one's memory issues might seem minor right now, it's possible their cognitive condition could quickly progress.
A 24-hour caregiver provides a way for your loved one to age in place without you worrying about memory-related issues. The caregiver can help your parent or grandparent with everything from bathing and other hygiene habits to cleaning and cooking.
In-home health caregivers can also help the aging senior in your life with medication. If your loved one has prescriptions or over the counter medications to take daily (or at specific times of the day), a 24-hour care provider can make sure they take the right pills at the right time. This reduces the likelihood of medication mistakes or mix-ups and can help to improve your loved one's overall health.
Does Your Loved One Want 24-Hour Care?
What does your parent or grandparent have to say about their daily (or nightly) care? Your aging loved one should have a say in their care. If they feel more comfortable with 24-7 assistance, you should honor their decision.
What should you do if your parent or grandparent doesn't want extra help or doesn't want day and night-time assistance? There's no easy or universal answer to this question.
Some aging seniors only need minimal help. But if your loved one can't care for themselves, you can seriously discuss the benefits of a home caregiver with them or ask them to agree to a trial period. Your parents/grandparents may just need to spend time with their new caregiver to understand the value of this service.
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