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3 Signs Your Aging Loved One Needs More Help At Home

by Hector Holland

If you have an aging loved one, you probably spend a lot of your time worrying about them. You're unsure whether they're getting the proper medical care and nutrition and whether or not they have a good quality of life. Below are three signs to look for that may indicate your aging loved one needs more help in their home and how a home-care aide can help.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

There are a number of reasons your loved one could struggle with once-familiar tasks. Common reasons include memory issues and loss of gross and fine motor skills. In Canada, one out of three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. Out of those injured, many will avoid informing their health care provider of their fall and the resultant injuries out of embarrassment.

As your loved one ages, they may have difficulty with certain tasks that put them at an increased risk of falling. These tasks include getting in and out of the shower or going from a seated position to a standing one. A home aide can help with these tasks, as well as show your loved one ways they can do them themselves without risk of injury.

Your loved one may try to hide the difficulties they're having, but usual signs of such difficulties include avoidance of the task and denial that they were ever able to perform it to begin with. If you notice such changes, it's important not to make a big deal out of the situation. Instead, consider bringing in a home aide to help with these tasks. Explain to your loved one that while they may feel embarrassed, you want to be sure they get the help they need to live the life they deserve.

Obvious Decline in Grooming Habits

Whether your loved one has fallen before or they're afraid of falling, they may avoid common hygiene tasks such as showering. Getting into and out of the shower for your loved one can be dangerous, as well as time consuming.

Other common reasons for decline in grooming habits can be lack of stamina and dementia. Your loved one may not have the energy to stand for long periods of time, or they may simply forget to shower and groom themselves. Home care can help by sending a trained professional to your loved one's home, and helping them to perform said tasks. They may also be able to install stability bars and other equipment to give your loved one the boost of confidence they need to perform these tasks on their own.

If you can't provide your aging loved one with the hands-on care they need, contact a professional home-aide company like Anson CareGivers Inc. Home-care aides will be able to help your loved one perform the tasks that they need done while also ensuring they remain safe and healthy. Health aides can provide companionship for your loved one, increasing their quality of life. Set up a consultation with a home health aide company today to learn more about the services they offer and how your loved one can benefit. 

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