It is okay to need help and ask for it. Bear in mind that asking for help doesn’t make you a failure. On the contrary, acknowledging that we all have limits and learning to accept when we need extra help is the smartest thing to do.

If you have an elderly parent or a spouse that is struggling with health problems, you might wonder, “should I consider getting elderly care?”. We would be happy to help you assess your circumstances and make the right decision.

When should you consider getting elderly care?

We always want what is best for our elderly loved ones. One of the toughest decisions we have to make in regards to getting elderly care for our loved one concerns their safety, well being and independence. However, when is it the right time to get this kind of service?

As much as possible, we would like to be the one who will look after our spouse in their later years but the reality is that it can be demanding and physically exhausting. Although you are willing to provide all the care they need, it will require a lot of your time.

Hiring someone who can provide elderly care and can do the mundane day-to-day tasks such as grocery shopping or housekeeping, will enable you to have quality time with your spouse. On the other hand, this kind of setup will also help you focus on your own well being.

This can be more difficult if you are someone who has elderly parents and at the same time, you have your own family. It could be challenging to balance your responsibilities for your parents and family as well as your career. You may find yourself torn between helping out your elderly parents and looking after your own family at home.

If you are currently in this kind of situation, you should consider getting elderly care as it will be of great help. You will not have to worry about your elderly parents or relatives because the home carer will make sure to always update you on their health or any other developments.

What if you are the elderly person and you are wondering if you need elderly care now? Here are some points to help you assess when you should enlist elderly care:

1. Difficulty in doing your personal hygiene such as taking a shower or bathing, combing your hair, or brushing your teeth.
2. You are having a hard time moving around the house and may sometimes need to hold onto furniture or walls to keep your balance. This will also result in falling, getting injured or worse getting a broken hip. If you are using a wheelchair or need assistance with hoisting, a carer will be of great help.
3. Do you often forget where you place your things or taking your medications at the right time? You may also experience problems with keeping track of time which leads to missed doctor appointments or even attending social events.
4. Keeping your home tidy and preparing meals for yourself can also be challenging. You may not be able to handle using a vacuum or even holding a mop. It might also be hard to cook and prepare your food as well as going to the grocery store.
5. You are having a hard time accomplishing the usual task that you were doing before such as paying the bills, documenting your medications, using utensils or completing your morning and evening routines.

Aside from the common signs listed above, you should also consider getting elderly care especially when you are recovering from a surgery or if you have serious and long term health conditions.

If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your family or relatives so they are aware and will take the necessary steps to help you as soon as possible.

What type of everyday situations can elderly carers help with?

Getting elderly care for your loved one would be a great help and will make their lives easier. Carers can assist with many elements of the elderly person’s daily routines. This includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Assistance in all aspects of personal care such as bathing and showering, trimming your nails, brushing teeth, taking care of your skin and hair. They can also help you get dressed and change your clothes.
2. They will assist you with mobility and moving inside or outside of the house. They will also encourage and accompany you on walks in the park.
3. Administering and prompting medications at the right time and regularly documenting it. They can also help with medical needs such as giving injections and monitoring your blood sugar.
4. Organising and accompanying to doctor’s appointments. They will also join you for social events, day trips or longer holidays.
5. They will also be happy to arrange activities or outings with your family and friends.
6. They will be in charge of housekeeping duties such as making your bed, doing the mopping, hoovering, laundry, ironing and arranging your wardrobes. They will make sure that your home is at its utmost cleanliness at all times.
7. They will do the grocery shopping as well as preparing and cooking your meals based on your preferences. If you have a specific type of diet, they would be happy to follow instructions and serve you the meals you like.
8. They can run errands for you and pay your bills on time to avoid unnecessary charges.
9. If you have a lovely dog or cat and you want them to be taken care of as well, then you can also require pet care and assistance for them.
10. They will make sure that you are always safe and comfortable.

We hope this information can help you decide whether you will get elderly care for your loved one. If you think this will be advantageous for them, please feel free to contact us on 0207 183 1395 so we can help you find the perfect home carer for your loved one.