One of the most important tasks that you will complete as a family caregiver is identifying when your elderly parent might be struggling with challenges or health issues so that you can help them to take the appropriate steps to manage those issues and resolve them in the best way possible. This is particularly important if your senior struggles with challenges or limitations that prevent them from being able to express what they are going through, such as dementia, cognitive functioning decline, or communication problems. This makes it critical that you are able to pay close attention to more subtle signs that may indicate that they are struggling even if they are not able to communicate the issues to you clearly.
Some signs that your parent might be struggling with dental pain include:
- Holding the side of their face
- Only chewing on one side of their mouth
- Avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy, sweet, or have extreme temperatures
- Frequently opening and closing their mouth
- Rubbing their ear
- Avoiding beverages that have extreme temperatures
- Reducing the number of foods that they eat
- Resisting brushing their teeth or flossing
- Brushing their teeth more gently or for a shorter period of time
- Wanting to brush their teeth more frequently, particularly after they eat or drink something sweet
If your aging loved one is experiencing dental pain, it is important that you take steps to help them handle this pain effectively. Dental pain could be an indication of a cavity, trauma, infection, or other disease. This is not just uncomfortable for your parent, but it could create an infection that could put the health of their entire body at risk, and could diminish their quality of life as they age in place. As with most health challenges, early detection is key to getting a dental issue managed properly, promptly, and in the way that is right for your elderly loved one.
If you have been trying to find ways to enhance your parent’s life while also ensuring that they are getting all of the assistance that they need to remain healthy, happy, safe, and comfortable, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting home care for them. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your elderly loved one on a customized schedule that ensures that they are there for them when your parent needs them, while also keeping you at the forefront of their care routine. The highly personalized services of a home care provider are tailored to specifically address your parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations while also helping the to live a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and independent as possible. Even if your parent’s needs are not serious and they are already able to live a largely independent lifestyle, home care can enable them to save time and energy, engage in more activities and events, remain more mentally and physically active, and seek a quality of life that is more fulfilling throughout their later years.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Springfield, VA, contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc. Proudly Serving Northern Virginia and Surroundings for over 12 years. Call Us: (703) 765-9350
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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