Caregivers often face the tough decision of when to transition their loved one to 24-hour care. Making this decision requires balancing your emotional needs and capacity to provide care with the practical realities of your loved one’s care needs. This article explores signs that a caregiver can identify that indicate their loved one needs round-the-clock care.
Recognizing the signs in your loved one that they may need 24-hour care
As you integrate caregiving responsibilities into your life, it’s easy to overlook subtle changes in your loved one that might signal a need for increased support. You may not immediately notice how your caregiving duties have expanded as your loved one’s functioning declines, health deteriorates, or behavioral concerns increase.
It is common for caregivers to wake up one day and realize that they are now taking care of complicated health needs and constantly monitoring for safety. The gradual increase can make it challenging to know that your loved one’s needs have exceeded what you have the capacity to do and that they require 24-hour care. As part of your caregiving journey, it is important to continue to assess the situation.
Let’s look at some important areas to assess in your loved one when deciding if they need 24-hour care.
Health and medical needs
Caregivers need to pay attention to their loved one’s health and medical needs. Chronic illnesses and even acute conditions can intensify, progress, and present new challenges. Your loved one may also develop new health needs that require increased care and support.
Some changes to monitor include:
- Frequent or increased hospital visits.
- Increased emergencies that disrupt daily life.
- Complicated medication schedules that can be hard to manage and dose properly.
- Changes in their health conditions that necessitate closer monitoring.
- Increased falls or balance issues.
Safety concerns
Safety concerns are a top indicator of a need for additional care for your loved one. As their condition and functioning change, they may lose the ability to maintain a safe environment, which can lead to many potential dangers. These safety lapses can create a dangerous situation for themselves and anyone else living in the home with them.
Look out for:
- Bruises or injuries that suggest a fall or accident.
- Forgetfulness that leads to dangerous situations such as forgetting to turn off appliances, leaving doors unlocked, or losing keys.
- Wandering outside of the house.
- Getting lost (even in familiar places).
- Taking the car when they should not be driving.
- Mishandling of dangerous household items such as knives, scissors, or hot food or beverages.
Behavioral changes
Behavioral changes in your loved one can indicate they may need 24-hour care and support. For a caregiver, noticing shifts in mood, behavior, or interactions with others can indicate that your loved one is struggling to cope independently.
Pay attention to:
- Increased agitation, irritability, or mood swings, especially when not typical of their personality.
- Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
- Confusion or memory lapses.
- Changes in sleep patterns, like insomnia, excessive sleeping, or sleeping during the day while staying awake at night.
- Confusing day and night.
Hygiene, nutrition, and daily living activities
As your loved one’s ability to maintain personal care and manage everyday activities declines, it can become overwhelming for both of you. You may notice changes in their physical appearance, health, and capacity to handle daily routines. Being aware of these indicators is crucial in assessing whether 24-hour care is necessary.
Observe for:
- Weight loss or dehydration.
- Changes in body odor or dirty hair.
- Wearing dirty clothing or re-wearing clothes, dressing inappropriately for the weather, or wearing mismatched clothing.
- Trouble getting in and out of bed or safely moving from room to room.
- Increased incontinence.
- Forgetting to take medication.
- Missing meals, choosing unhealthy food and drink options, or eating at inappropriate times.
Recognizing caregiver burnout
As caregiving needs increase, the overwhelming pressures and demands can lead to caregiver burnout. This burnout not only jeopardizes your well-being but also indicates that your loved one may require more support and care than you can give. When the rising demands of caregiving result in emotional and physical exhaustion, it can imminently affect your ability to deliver the appropriate level of care to your loved one.
As a caregiver, it is important that you continue to monitor your own well-being for signs of burnout. Caregiver burnout may suggest that the current level of care is unsustainable for you. Paying attention to your feelings and health can help you recognize when it’s time to consider round-the-clock care to ensure both you and your loved one receive the necessary support.
Pay attention to whether you have noticed the following in yourself:
Physical and emotional exhaustion:
- Persistent fatigue or stress that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, or frequent illness.
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained by caregiving duties.
Neglect of your health:
- Skipping medical appointments or ignoring health concerns.
- Neglecting exercise, nutrition, self-care, or other personal health routines due to lack of time or energy.
- Poor sleep.
- Changes in appetite.
Social withdrawal:
- Not attending social activities.
- Isolating from friends and family.
- Feeling lonely or depressed.
- Not feeling interested in or excited about activities you usually would enjoy.
Discussing the decision for 24-hour care
Transitioning to 24-hour care is a significant decision. When you have recognized the likely need for 24-hour care for your loved one, it is time to begin discussions with them and anyone else involved in their care.
By engaging in open communication and consideration with all relevant parties, you can ensure that everyone’s concerns and suggestions are acknowledged, fostering a smooth transition for your loved one.
Here are some suggestions to consider when approaching these discussions:
Communication with your loved one:
- Ensure that your loved one feels included in the decision-making process by approaching them and the topic with sensitivity and respect.
- Ask your loved one about their preferences, concerns, and any specific needs they might have so they feel valued and heard.
Involve family members:
- Include involved family members in open discussions, and focus on finding the best approach for getting the support and care your loved one needs.
- Encourage open and honest dialogue with the family so you can discuss any differing opinions or concerns regarding the change in care.
Seek professional guidance:
- Consulting with health care professionals, such as doctors or social workers, can provide you with support and expert advice on care options for your loved one.
- Scheduling a family meeting with a health care professional can foster a supportive and informative discussion on potential care plans and ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of the decision.
24-hour care may be the right decision
Deciding when it’s time for 24-hour care can feel challenging and overwhelming for a caregiver. By learning to recognize the signs of increased care needs and caregiver burnout and engaging in open and honest communication, families can navigate this transition with empathy and clarity, ensuring the best possible care for their loved ones.
