Caring for a loved one with dementia at home will involve ensuring that they have all the help they need to live a life that is as happy and healthy as possible. However, managing this feat alone may not be as easy as you once thought or hoped.
It takes much more than love and the willingness to care for an older relative with dementia. Sometimes, real medical attention and assistance will be beneficial for both the patient and their caregiver. The truth is that this noble task may get too much for one person, and the good news is that it is perfectly fine to ask for help. This blog post will discuss the signs to look out for that point to help you take care of a loved one with dementia.
Signs That You Need Help Taking Care of a Dementia Patient
Wanting to take care of an older loved one, especially someone who had a hand in your formative years and supported you growing up as well is a noble task. However, if you are feeling burned out, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Below is a list of some of the most common signs of hiring professional home health specialists.
1 – You Are Constantly Exhausted
If you feel that you cannot get enough sleep or rest well enough to feel recharged for the next day, this is a clear indication that you may be biting off more than you can chew. Being tired after a long day is one thing. However, if you can’t shake the exhaustion off or cannot get a restful night of sleep, getting help is the solution.
2 – You Never Seem to Get Anything Done
One sure sign that you have too much on your plate is when you notice that you never seem to get everything done. If you struggle with finishing all your daily tasks, it may mean that you are taking on too much.
3 – You’re Easily Irritated
If you are a ticking time bomb that gets irritated at the most minor detail, this is another sign that you may need additional hands to help you take care of your loved one.
4 – Your Own Health Is Suffering
Spreading yourself too thin may have a detrimental effect on your overall health. Hiring home health professionals will help you stay healthy and head the effort in taking care of your relative.
5 – You Suffer from Depression
Depression is not just simple sadness that will go away. This is a mental condition that may affect your mood, ability to think and make rational decisions. If you have been diagnosed with depression because of stress and exhaustion, hiring professionals to help will be best for everyone.
Conclusion
Taking care of an older loved one that has dementia is not easy. It can take its toll on the caregiver fairly quickly if they are unable to handle the workload on their own. If you, as the primary caregiver for your older relative has felt at least one of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to look into finding the right home health service to help you.
If you are looking for skilled medical personnel to help you with home care nursing services, Gateway Home Health can help. We are committed to providing the highest quality home-based patient care in an atmosphere of respect for human dignity. Our highly trained clinicians and therapists strive to exceed the expectations of our patients, families, caregivers and physicians. Contact us today and get top-notch care for your elder relative.