As people enter old age, they often begin to experience hits to their health, resulting in day-to-day physical pain, chronic disabilities, and cognitive dysfunction. As medical conditions and debilitating side effects start to add up, many seniors find themselves unable to tend to their basic needs. While it may not be a comfortable conversation with yourself to admit you need additional aid, enlisting the help of a caregiver can provide you with the resources you require to live a comfortable, happy life at home.

In-home caregivers extend help with daily tasks, offer medication reminders, and provide a meaningful, supportive relationship for seniors struggling to get by. If you’re on the fence about hiring a full-time caretaker, consult an expert opinion.

24 Home Care, a California senior home care provider, stands behind the benefits of in-home caregivers, citing that these caretakers provide long-awaited peace of mind and relieve seniors of straining day-to-day responsibilities like housekeeping, meal preparation, etc. If those benefits sound appealing, book a consultation with highly-reviewed caregivers.

Unsure of whether it’s time to enlist an outside professional to help you through daily to-do’s? Read on for five signs you should pass the torch to a trusted caretaker. 

You have an aggressive medical condition

Unfortunately, there is a long list of medical conditions that accompany the act of aging, with many seniors experiencing hearing loss, visual impairments, and arthritis-ridden joints for the first time. Additionally, mental deficits, like dementia and Alzheimers, become increasingly common among older individuals. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a disabling condition and are unsure how to continue routine care, it may be time to call in a professional caretaker.    

You can’t feed yourself

A sure-fire sign you need to enlist the help of a caretaker is you can’t feed yourself on a routine schedule. Whether you’re physically incapacitated or mentally confused, remembering to cook meals, along with preparing your food, can become increasingly difficult. As a senior, maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to prolong good health, which is why you should consider hiring a caretaker if your feeding schedule goes out the window.  

You have trouble keeping up with basic hygiene

While it may feel embarrassing to admit that you’re falling behind on hygienic upkeep, it may be a sign that you require a little extra TLC. If your linens have months-old stains, your teeth begin to ache from a lack of brushing, or you notice a pungent smell following you from room to room, you might want to hire a caretaker. While intermittent showering and infrequent messy spells aren’t something to fret over, consistent lapses in hygienic practices may be an indicator of a more serious medical condition. 

You frequently miss medications

Staying on top of your medication is critical for seniors treating everything from mild to severe medical conditions. Whether you’re taking a daily dose to mitigate high blood pressure, a carefully curated blend of anti-inflammatory medications, or an antibiotic to keep viral infections at bay, you need to track intake to a tee. For those struggling to remember which pills you’ve taken or lose bottles daily, consider looping in a professional that can help monitor your intake. 

You fall behind on basic tasks

An indicator it might be time to call on a professional in-home caretaker is it’s challenging to keep up on basic, daily tasks. Whether you forget to turn your stovetop burner off, struggle to take the trash out, or can’t operate a vehicle, you may benefit from additional help. That way, you can stop worrying about slipping, falling, or crashing when performing simple responsibilities and focus your energy on activities you can do. 

Wrapping up

It can be frustrating to realize that you’re losing control over your life and need additional help to get by. However, taking an honest inventory of your physical and cognitive abilities is critical in prolonging good health. If you’re struggling with daily tasks, frequently neglect your hygiene, or forget necessary medications, consider hiring a helping hand.