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Lots of people were separated from loved ones during the pandemic, and now this we reunite With family and friends, it can be terrifying to see how much someone you care about has changed over the course of a year. If you notice behavioral, cognitive, or physical changes in your aging loved ones, you are not alone. A Study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that social isolation symptoms such as sleep deprivation, Fatigue and depression in older adults. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances that surround us all in 2020, many seniors have been alone for long periods of time and this has intensified behavioral changes.
“In my opinion [the signs of decline] really different for each person than I have seen in my practice “, Jennifer Reccrey, MD, an associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine on Mount Sinai, tells Health. The main thing is to look for a significant change: “Someone who has been a path all their life, who cares about their appearance or is always on birthdays, and then that starts to change”, Dr. Reckrey, whose research focuses on home-based primary care and the role of caregivers in the home, explains.
It can be difficult to determine that something is wrong if you don’t see your manager regularly. Next time you are with your loved one, take good care. Are there any indications of changes in behavior? What about cognitive or physical impairments? According to the NIA.
These signs could be late payments, bad checks, or stacks of unopened mail. You may also find that their home looks cluttered, dirty, or that they are storing expired groceries. Perhaps they have lost interest in their favorite activities or changed their sleeping habits. Changes in behavior can also include severe mood swings and increased restlessness.
If you fear that your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline, watch out for loss of thinking skills, general confusion, or insecurity. You may have trouble keeping track of time, miss appointments, or forget to take medication. The most obvious signs are excessive forgetfulness and memory loss. These could also signal a more serious decline, such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
At first glance, there are several physical signs that let you know that your loved ones are having trouble. Weight loss and difficulty eating or drinking can indicate something is wrong. Your parents may have difficulty standing, sitting, walking, or moving, which could indicate a decrease in mobility. If you notice bruises or injuries, it could have been caught in a fall or incident that you are too embarrassed to share with you. Another subtle but important warning sign is poor personal hygiene. This can include losing grooming habits, wearing the same outfit over and over, and putting on disheveled or dirty clothes.
Types of home care services
Sometimes require different warning signs different levels of care. Maybe your loved one is mentally smart but needs help with physical chores such as household chores, Food preparation, and transportation. Or they may need someone to keep you company when you’re not around. Here are a few examples of home care services that you can find on websites like. can find Care.com:
“In my experience, people may be reluctant for people to come home to help,” says Dr. Reckrey. “They have already found a way to deal with their problems, whatever they are, so it can be a difficult conversation.” However, it’s still an important discussion as you don’t want to make decisions about the wellbeing of your loved ones without first consulting them. “Determine if there is an opening, if there is anything they think they might need help with. Start small, such as offering someone to help with laundry (as opposed to bathing or something more personal) “suggests Dr. Reckrey in front. “There can be a great fear that someone who comes into the house will lose their independence, so explain to them that it actually gives them more freedom,” such as being able to do their own shopping again or being driven to events with friends .
Dr. Reckrey also recommends setting up senior care at home to help you, the other supposed caregiver. You could say, “I’ll do this for myself. I need help with these things to make sure you’re okay because I can’t be there to help you with these things.”
“When home care works, it not only fills a void, but creates a meaningful relationship, and I think that’s a positive thing,” says Dr. Reckrey. But she adds, “What works for one family may not work for everyone. It’s a relationship and you want everyone to be comfortable, to communicate, and to work together. You may not find the right person the first time, but that doesn’t mean home elderly care isn’t working, it just means you need a better fit. “
Once you’ve decided what type of care is right for your senior – talking to their doctor can help – you need to find the right caregiver. If you choose outpatient care for the elderly, services like Care.com can match you with a caregiver who will take care of your loved ones. If a retirement or nursing home is the next step, research facilities near you and ask friends, family, and trusted medical experts in your community for recommendations.
Many of these care services give you flexibility in terms of your budget, schedule, and the types of services you need for your senior. You can provide additional information about your senior such as: B. Hobbies, interests and framework conditions, as well as clearly indicating which traits you expect from a caregiver in order to achieve the best personality match.
Care.comin particular, offers a membership opportunity ($ 38.95 / month, with discounts on advanced plans) that matches you with the best qualified caregivers in your area. With Care.com‘s service guarantees that applicants go through annual background checks. The transition to this next stage of life can be difficult for seniors, but a care service can make the transition a little easier.
