Senior Care in Phoenix – When is it Time for Outside Senior Care?

The Senior Care Dilemma

Change is difficult for most people. When that change involves the loss of freedom and radial life style changes for family members, it is often utterly painful and confusing. If you suspect that your senior loved one has needs for which you can no longer provide due to Dementia, Alzheimer’s or other specialized care and needs a home caregiver, it is time to take a hard look at the situation with complete honesty. Eliminating sentiment will not be easy, but it can lead to an enormous change for the betterment of all concerned especially your senior. How much forgetfulness is acceptable? What are some other signs that your loved one is actually in need of a home caregiver?

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Although there is nothing simple about Dementia or Alzheimer’s, simply put, Dementia patients forget things as we all do, however, unlike non-afflicted people, they are NEVER able to remember them. Often a pattern develops of asking the same question—repeatedly–with no knowledge of having previously addressed the subject. This situation often creates fear and confusion in the senior. A senior home caregiver is experienced in dealing with these issues patiently and with great sensitivity. A senior caregiver does not take forgetfulness personally or remember who they were before Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients might have difficulty performing familiar tasks. They may put an egg on the stove to boil and forget that it is there. They may not understand how to work the television, or remember to turn off the water. Obviously, these situations can become extremely dangerous to the senior as well as others! Attention to behavior details is common training for senior home caregiver. Furthermore, the home caregiver is not distracted by other every day duties and can devote his complete attention to the patient’s activities.

Of deep concern is the Alzheimer’s or Dementias patient’s disorientation to time or place. He may not know where his bedroom is located, or worse, he may get lost in his own neighborhood. How many times have we heard it on the News that a senior citizen lost wandering about without water or medicine. He is found disoriented and agitated. To his horror, he may not understand where he is in public, how he got there, or how to return home. A senior caregiver offers great security and comfort while accompanying the patient on walks, shopping, or errands. Both the family and patient can rest easy while the patient need not be restricted to the boredom of never leaving their domain.

Sadly, people with Dementia may not be able to exercise good judgment about simple things, like putting on shoes before leaving the house, turning on the heat in the cold, or locking a door. A home health care professional will be certain that the Dementia patient is safe, secure, and well attended.

Difficulty with language skills may be present making communication impossible, or the patient might lose his ability to understand abstract concepts like numbers. He may also begin misplacing common items in atypical places, like a shoe in the clothes hamper. An experienced senior caregiver will be alert to these behaviors and can often understand the patient’s needs through his non-verbal communication and by understanding his daily patterns.

Fast mood swings are another possible sign of Dementia. Dementia patients may have shocking, abrupt changes in behavior and personality, especially irritability, suspicion, or fearfulness. Tears or fury can erupt in moments. If your loved one is living with you, this can be particularly frightening for children. It can tear a family apart or divide a family during a critical time. These personality upheavals are often best handled by an impartial senior home caregiver who will not be hurt or offended as would a family member. The senior home caregiver is also trained in deflating such a difficult situation in a calm and understanding manner.

Finally, passivity is another warning sign that your loved one may require a senior home caregiver for Dementia. Loss of initiative can lead to a sedentary, lonely, life style. Companionship and emotional support are gifts that a trained home caregiver can supply on a regular basis, vastly improving the quality of the patient’s life.

After reviewing these symptoms, talk openly and honestly about your concerns with other family members. Most seniors do better in their own home. As a family, do you want to help your loved one stay in their own home as long as possible? Would a senior home caregiver give you that option? Would a senior home caregiver give you peace of mind? All of these questions and concerns are difficult. You may have other family members that need you as well. Oftentimes, we have children that need our help at the same time our parents are vulnerable. It is a difficult and confusing time.

Do not hesitate to call a trained elder care counselor if you have any questions or reservations. The counselor understands that this is one of the most difficult decisions with which you will ever be faced. You are not alone. Assistance is just a phone call away.

At Home Health Exchange, we treat your family like our family. Call 1-877-265-9606 and ask for Robin, our President. She will arrange a free in-home assessment by an experienced professional. At Home Health Exchange, we work with your physician, so you can have all the services that you need – in the comfort of your own home. We have been a part of Phoenix since 1991. We serve the entire valley from Gilbert to Goodyear, Sun City to Scottsdale with senior caregivers available 24/7. We take the worry out of senior care. We look forward to hearing from you.

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