Senior care is a type of care that is specialized to seniors and their needs at different stages in the aging process. Senior care can be anything from assisted living communities to in-home caregiver assistance.
Not all aging parents and elderly loved ones need a caregiver. Some seniors are staying young, healthy, and happy. It depends on factors, such as physical and mental health issues. How do you know when senior care is needed? Let’s take a closer look.
When Is Senior Care Needed?
Many seniors will live a independent life well into old age. But there are instances when senior care is needed. This often becomes a family discussion when elderly loved ones begin experiencing daily living difficulties.
These daily living difficulties include, cooking, dressing, driving, cleaning, taking medication, and more. When a health issues arises, daily living is often a challenge for seniors. This brings caregiving to everyone’s mind.
You may recognize it at first, or a doctor may bring it up. The most important aspect is that you keep a close eye on the warning signs for daily living problems.
Senior Care Warning Signs
There are a number of senior care warning signs. Not all are immediate calls to action for caregiver need, but they should be monitored. After all, the safety of your elderly loved on is top priority.
Warning signs include:
- Memory loss
- Forgetting important daily tasks (medication)
- Walking issues
- Decline in hearing or sight
- Poor attention
- Decline in speech
- Emotional distress (depression or anxiety)
- Personality changes
- Withdraw from social activities
- Health issues (diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.)
What Questions Should I Ask?
If any of the above warning signs are noted, it may be time to discuss senior care with your family and elderly loved one. Even if your aging parents don’t need caregiver support right now, beginning the conversation early can be very beneficial.
Possible caregiver questions to ask are:
- When is senior care needed, immediately or in the near future?
- What are our caregiver options?
- How much is senior care in my community?
- Should I be my aging parent’s caregiver?
- What can I do to make daily living easier?
- Is my home a good place for in-home care?
- What is caregiver burnout?
Do Research and Get Expert Insight
Senior care is a topic you or your aging parents don’t want to have. But it is an important topic if health and safety is a concern. Doing more research and asking the above questions can help start the process and discussion. Remember, there are plenty of care experts, and don’t be afraid to lean on them for insight and support too.
