When Is The Right Time To Get Live In Care Support?

As people grow older, their needs change, and sometimes, the difficulty of daily life becomes too hard to bear alone. For many seniors and their families, the question of when to seek additional support becomes a critical decision point. Live-in care is all-rounded support that lets older adults receive personalised care in the comfort of their own homes, focusing on safety, well-being, and quality of life. But how do you know when is the appropriate time for you to consider live-in care support? This blog discusses the key indicators for making your decision.

Understanding Live-In Care Support

With live-in care support, a professional caregiver lives with the client and is available at all times for the help required. This allows the elderly to stay independent and seek help in daily activities, medical care, and companionship. Unlike care homes, live-in care offers personalised one-on-one support through which the individual is cared for according to their needs and preferences.

Key Indicators That It May Be Time for Live-In Care

The decision to seek live-in care is very personal and influenced by individual circumstances surrounding the person and their family. However, some common indications that it might be time include the following:

1. Decline in Physical Health:

A decline in physical health is one of the first telltale signs that living-in care might be needed. It may manifest itself in these ways:

• Increased Falls and Mobility Issues: The occurrence of frequent falls or difficulties with mobility are obvious signs that the person may need constant supervision and help, along with preventative measures against accidents.
• Chronic Illness Management: Various conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or even arthritis, require constant monitoring, management of medications, and help in daily activities.
• Post-Surgery Recovery: Additional care is sometimes needed by seniors after surgery or hospitalisation to help manage recovery; this might include help with wound care, mobility, and adherence to medications.

2. Cognitive Decline:

Another major reason for live-in care is cognitive decline, including conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Early signs of mental decline may be:

• Memory Loss: Forgetfulness, especially when it starts interfering with day-to-day activities like taking medications or meal preparation, could very well mean a continuous type of support is needed.
• Disorientation or Confusion: Easily confused or disoriented older people who have a history of wandering or getting lost may require the presence of the caregiver at all times for their safety.
• Problems with Decision-Making: Difficulty in making decisions or problems in managing finances may indicate that the process of cognitive decline has reached the point at which the person’s independent living ability is affected.

3. Impairment of Everyday Activities

Difficulty with various day-to-day activities is one of the hallmarks of ageing. Be sure to identify difficulties with activities of daily living such as:

• Personal Care: Having a hard time bathing, dressing, grooming, or using the toilet may indicate that the individual needs assistance to maintain hygiene and sense of self.
• Household Management: Having problems cooking, cleaning, or doing household chores can lead to living in an unsafe environment.
• Transportation: In case a difficulty arises in driving or using public transport safely, assistance may be required with errands, appointments, and getting to social activities.

4. Social Isolation and Loneliness

A lot of seniors experience social isolation, particularly if they live alone, from which all of the following issues can quickly arise:

• Depression and Anxiety: Isolation feelings can result from a lack of activity that contributes to loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
• Withdrawal from Activities: If your loved one has withdrawn from activities that brought them joy, such as hobbies or social functions, a live-in caregiver can offer companionship and support to encourage their return.
• Limited Family Support: If family members are unable to visit and assist regularly due to distance, work demands, or other issues, live-in care offers constant companionship along with the care required daily.

5. Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout is quite common in families caring for a loved one. It may manifest in the following ways:

• Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: A state in which a person feels drained and at a point where they cannot continue to care for the loved one.
• Health Problems: Stress from caregiving takes a toll on the caregiver’s own health, with problems relating to their sleep, blood pressure, or depression.
• Neglect of Personal Life: Caregivers can begin to neglect their personal needs, relationships, or work-related responsibilities due to caring, leading to an overall decline in their standard of living.

If the caregivers are experiencing burnout, live-in care can literally be a lifesaver. Continuous, high-quality care is assured for the loved one, and the family can continue dealing with their own health and well-being.

Getting Live In Care Support

Deciding on when to bring in live-in care support can be one of the most critical decisions any family has to make. It is a decision that needs consideration toward individual needs, family dynamics, and the resources available at hand. Knowing the signs that more support is needed and the advantages that are linked with live-in care gives meaning to such a decision. After all, live-in care delivers a caring, highly personalised solution that enables seniors to continue living as independently as possible in the comfort of their own homes and enjoy an improved quality of life with the personalised care they deserve. At SweetTree, our dedicated live-in care support team is here to guide you through every step of this process, ensuring that your loved one receives the highest quality care. To learn more or discuss your specific needs, please contact our team today.