4 Signs It's Time to Switch From a Part-Time Caregiver to a Live-In Caretaker | Senior Helpers Westford
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4 Signs It's Time to Switch From a Part-Time Caregiver to a Live-In Caretaker

4 Signs It's Time to Switch From a Part-Time Caregiver to a Live-In Caretaker

As your loved ones age, they will likely need more help with basic tasks like dressing, cleaning, cooking, and running errands. A part-time caregiver can help with many of these tasks. But, there may come a time when your loved one may need more assistance than a part-time caregiver can provide. You may think that moving your loved one into a care facility may be the only option. But, these facilities can be costly. A live-in caretaker can give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe — without the added costs of a nursing facility.

Read on to learn more about how to tell when it's time to switch from a part-time to a live-in caretaker. 

1. Your Loved One Has Lost Mobility

Loss of mobility is one of the biggest reasons to hire a live-in caretaker. If your loved one can't get up to perform basic tasks like going to the bathroom, getting a drink of water, or preparing a meal, it's a good sign a live-in caretaker is needed. 

A caretaker can help your loved one with grooming, assist with meal prep, and help your loved one perform the activities of daily living (ADL). 

Even if seniors haven’t completely lost mobility, they can be at great risk for falls. For seniors, a fall can result in broken bones, head trauma, or even death. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. The thought of your loved one falling can be scary. But, a live-in caretaker can:

  • Monitor them at all times

  • Help them run errands

  • Take them to and from appointments

  • Help them stay active without increasing their risk of falling

2. Your Loved One Is Lonely

For a senior, companionship is key. One of the biggest advantages of in-home care is that your loved one has the chance to bond with the caretaker and form a lasting friendship. 

Loneliness and isolation can play a factor in serious physical and mental health conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Even if you visit your loved one regularly and have someone checking in occasionally, it may not suffice. 

A live-in caretaker is there all day, every day. They can make sure your loved one stays engaged, healthy, and socially connected. 

3. Your Loved One Has Dementia or Memory Loss

Dementia in seniors can lead to unique challenges. Sometimes, those with dementia may forget where they are or what they are doing. This can cause confusion and distress on their parts. Occasionally, they may even wander away from home, which raises their risk of getting lost or walking into dangerous areas. 

If your loved one has dementia and cannot be left alone (even for short periods), a live-in caretaker is a great option.

Live-in caretakers can get to know their patients and learn their particular habits. Then, they can identify behaviors that are normal and those that may be a cause for concern. 

They can also monitor their senior charges throughout the day to make sure that they aren't leaving their home or putting themselves in dangerous situations. A live-in caretaker can also help seniors deal with any feelings of confusion or distress. 

4. Your Loved One Has Strict Medication Requirements

If your loved one needs to take multiple medications throughout the day, it can be difficult for them to remember what to take and when. A live-in caretaker can make sure they're taking the correct amount of medicine at the right time. This will reduce the incidence of skipped doses or overdoses. They can also make sure that medications aren't having negative side effects or interactions.

If you're looking for a full-time in-home caretaker for your loved one, Senior Helpers of Westford can help. We’re pleased to offer support to seniors in Littleton, Tewksbury, and the surrounding area. For more information about our care services, contact us today.