The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with those you love most. But for many adult children, this is also a time where they may start to notice changes in their parents’ health and behaviors that signal the need for assistance at home. Each year, this realization leads to an increase in inquiries about senior care services from concerned family members.
In fact, January is the highest volume month for senior care inquiries,
according to Home Instead Senior Care. On a national scale, the company
saw a 34 percent increase in service calls from December 2017 to January
2018.While visiting loved ones over the holidays, families may have
noticed changes in behavior, including:* Mood and Symptoms of
Depression. Do you notice a change in your loved one’s normal behavior?
Does he or she seem unattached or more emotional?* Personal Hygiene.
Changes in appearance are the most obvious signs that assistance is
needed, and they can range from unkempt hair and body odor to wearing
the same clothes for multiple days.* Driving Skills. Evidence of
speeding tickets, dents and scratches on a senior’s car may be signs
that driving skills are deteriorating.* Household Changes. Is your loved
one behind on paying bills, refilling medications or housework? An
unkempt house may be the result of once-everyday tasks becoming
overwhelming burdens.* Eating Habits. Does your loved one’s refrigerator
seem empty?
Is there rotten or expired food? These may be signs that your aging
relative has lost interest in preparing and eating meals or is unable to
make it to the grocery store.Due to the increasing demand and evident
need, Home Instead Senior Care franchises are hiring CAREGivers
nationwide to provide support and companionship to older adults, a
practice that aligns with national employment trends.
Research shows that caregiving is a growing profession. Employment of
home health aides and personal care aides is projected to grow 41
percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all
occupations.Last year, Home Instead received its largest number of
employment inquiries during the busy month of January.Family caregivers
can find additional information and resources at caregiverstress.com or
find a Home Instead office near you
