The USA’s total population is aging, and demographics are beginning to shift. In 2022, the United States Census Bureau projected that the aging population would increase from 58 million to a record 82 million by 2050. Accommodating America’s aging population has never been more important, and it will only grow as the years pass.
One accommodation vital to improving quality of life is a senior caregiver or some personal care assistance. An elder care professional can assist with a senior’s daily chores and activities and offer support where necessary. However, determining whether or not to consider that support can be complicated. When is the struggle “too much” to handle on your own?
At Companion Care of Georgia, we prefer to ask, “When would a caregiver improve my loved one’s comfort and safety?” We’ve been helping families throughout Southeast Georgia answer that question, and we’re happy to help your family, too. When you find yourself wondering, we have some key signs you might want to keep in mind.
Signs a Caregiver can Improve your Loved One’s Quality of Life
Missing Key Medications
Missed medication can be a problem among the older generation. Between an increased need for key medications that have complicated requirements and a failing memory, seniors can struggle to take medicine on time. In the worst case, doses can be skipped or even accidentally taken twice. A senior caregiver’s assistance may be able to assist in ensuring your loved one is taking medications on time and at the proper dosages.
Primary Caregiver Stress
Caregiver burnout is a real problem that many people who serve as their family member’s primary caregiver face. More than 3/4ths of family caregivers report issues with their mental health and well-being, according to GuardianLife’s reports. If you are the primary caregiver of your aging relative and require assistance due to burnout, medical appointments, vacation, or other reasons, a senior caregiver can offer a short-term care solution that allows you the freedom to do so.
Transportation Issues
Safety on the road is essential, not just for your loved one but for everyone else on the road. However, for older adults, safe driving can be a struggle, especially if they suffer from worsening eyesight, stiffer joints, delayed reflexes, and failing hearing. If your loved one is struggling to drive, it can be difficult for them to get to medical appointments, run errands, or attend social gatherings. They may need to rely upon a family member to take them or even public transport, which can be challenging to navigate as an older adult. However, a professional senior caregiver can offer private transportation services for seniors. These transportation services can restore that sense of freedom and independence that many seniors report improves their overall quality of life.
Personal Hygiene
Some adults may struggle to maintain personal hygiene as they age. The root of this struggle may be failing memory, difficulty performing hygiene care, failing bladder control, or balance issues. If you’re noticing your loved one struggling to brush their teeth daily, going days without changing, going to the bathroom, or bathing regularly, a senior caregiver can offer assistance that makes necessary personal care easier to maintain.
Forgotten Meals
Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining your loved one’s health, but between struggles to cook safely and skipped meals, maintaining that diet can be a struggle for older adults. If you notice that your loved one’s shelves are often barren or that they struggle to recall the last meal they ate, it might be time to consider a senior caregiver. A caregiver who can help prepare healthy, filling meals and offer reminders about when to eat.
Struggles to Complete Household Chores
A clean home is a happy home. Maintaining a clean space can not only improve the quality of life for an aging individual but can also increase safety. If a loved one struggles to clean or perform necessary chores, a senior caregiver can offer light housekeeping for seniors to ease that burden. These caregivers can handle the cleaning and organization so that your loved one can live in the comfort of a well-kept home.
Things to Consider When Searching for a Senior Caregiver
No matter what leads you or your loved one to consider elderly care assistance, your loved one’s care should be personalized to suit their needs. It’s important to ask yourself key questions about your loved one’s needs and find a senior caregiver who can adequately meet them. When searching for a senior caregiving services company, adaptability to meet your loved ones’ needs is key. They should be able to adapt a plan to meet your needs rather than force you to work around theirs.
At Companion Care of Georgia, we strive to offer such care. All of our caregivers are carefully screened and vetted to ensure they offer compassionate, reliable, and professional care. When you call, we’ll schedule a no-obligation consultation. During this time, we’ll work alongside you to build a care plan that can meet your loved one’s needs, whether you’re seeking short-term respite care for a primary caregiver or long-term care in-home or at an assisted living community.
If you’re interested in our services, schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help your loved one regain the quality of life they deserve.