One of the hardest parts of caring for an aging parent is recognizing when they need more help at home. It can even be more difficult to see the signs that your parent needs 24-hour home care if you only see your parent once or twice a week. Or if you don’t see them often because you live far away.
Even seniors who are in relatively good health may need 24-hour home care if they have mobility challenges, or if they get lonely or anxious being at home alone at night.
And if your parent has a medical condition like heart disease or lung disease, they may need someone in the home at night to make sure they are using their medical equipment properly.
Your parent may not want you to know that they’re struggling, or that they need more help than just a quick visit from a caregiver once a day. It’s very important that you recognize the signs that your parent’s ability to live alone is changing, so that your parent is always safe at home.
Signs To Watch For
If your gut tells you that your parent needs more help, they probably do. So if you think it’s time for your parent to have around the clock care, make the call today to learn more about 24-hour home care. But if you’re not sure, watch for these signs that your parent needs more help than they currently have:
Frequent falls or close calls
If your parent is falling often or almost falling, that’s a big warning sign. Even one serious fall can lead to injury. If no one is there to help, they could be stuck on the floor for hours. 24-hour care means someone is always nearby to help them move safely.
Wandering or getting confused at night
Parents with memory problems may wake up and wander. They might try to leave the house or go into unsafe areas. Nighttime confusion is common with dementia. If this is happening, overnight care becomes just as important as daytime help.
Trouble using the bathroom safely
If your parent cannot get to the bathroom on time or needs help cleaning up, they may need more support. Accidents can lead to skin problems and infections. Round-the-clock care helps keep them clean, dry, and comfortable.
Missing medications or taking them wrong
Medication mistakes can be dangerous. If your parent forgets doses, takes too much, or mixes up pills, it’s a serious concern. With 24-hour home care, someone can manage medications and make sure they are taken correctly every time.
Poor eating or weight loss
If your parent is skipping meals, forgetting to eat, or losing weight, they need more help. Good nutrition is key to staying strong. A full-time caregiver can prepare meals, offer reminders, and make sure your parent is eating enough throughout the day.
Changes in behavior or mood
Increased anger, anxiety, or withdrawal can be signs that your parent is struggling. These changes may come from fear, confusion, or feeling unsafe alone. Having someone there all the time can provide comfort and reduce stress.
Neglecting personal hygiene
If your parent is not bathing, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth, it may be more than forgetfulness. It can mean they no longer have the ability or energy to care for themselves. With a care provider in the house around the clock someone will always be there to help your parent stay clean and take care of their hygiene.
Unsafe use of appliances or leaving water taps on
Leaving the stove on, forgetting to lock doors, or leaving faucets running can put your parent at risk. These behaviors can lead to fires or other accidents. With 24-hour care, someone can step in right away to prevent danger. This is especially important for seniors that have become forgetful or have any level of dementia.
Changed medical needs
If your parent has a condition that requires frequent monitoring, like trouble breathing, mobility issues, or chronic illness, they may feel better with someone in the house 24/7. They also may need around the clock care if they have had a fall, a stroke, or a hospital stay that has impacted their ability to care for themselves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care in Manassas, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“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.
