“Does my aging loved one require extra care or is today just an off day?” Often, answering this question can be tricky for most families.Chattanooga senior home care

Kenny Higdon, of Chattanooga, TN 5 Star Home Care, said that families will search for signs when they are visiting senior loved ones. These signs may include weight gain or loss, obvious lack of hygiene, indication of difficulty while driving, vehicle damage, property damage or disrepair, excessive clutter or trash, unopened mail, and unpaid bills. In addition, plants and pets left unattended can also signs that an aging parent may need the help of daily assistance.

To help your senior loved ones get right help he or she may require, here are four ways you can stay alert and respond in a proactive way.

1.Education

““If you suspect a loved one is beginning to suffer from dementia, it’s important to educate yourself so you can recognize the symptoms rather than guessing,” he said. “Do the symptoms interfere with the ability to conduct everyday life? Be aware if something’s ‘just not right’ or other family members point out mistakes or express concern. If the senior has difficulty working their way through choices that have been quick decisions in the past, that’s a red flag.”

2. Safety Check

Higdon, who began the Tennessee-based 5 Star Home Care after his family struggled to find the best caregivers available for his grandmother, said identifying specific areas of concern is priority, such as understanding medications or addressing safety hazards around the house. Safety topics can often be calmly discussed with a little effort.

3. Get a Medical Evaluation

An examination from a licensed practitioner, specialist or neurologist is recommended for seniors to rule out the need for specialized senior care. Symptoms of chronic stress, depression, sleep deprivation, reactions to medications, a malfunctioning thyroid, excessive drinking, concussions, or menopause are all possible causes for someone to demonstrate forgetfulness that is not necessarily dementia or Alzheimer’s.

4. Organize a Caregiver

In many cases, the affected senior may begin to feel as though he or she will lose their autonomy and move toward becoming overpowered by changes, which can result in conflict on how to adjust. A family caregiver may likewise feel overwhelmed and angry, if other relatives don’t share the responsibility.

The presence of a licensed caregiver in the home, similar to the ones interviewed and hired by 5 Star Home Care, can help your senior loved ones struggling with mobility issues, as well as those of all ages who are living with a disability or recovering from an injury or illness. 5 Star Home Care’s professional caregivers assist in routine activities, such as bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and more.

By following these four steps to helping senior loved ones, families can reduce stress and get loved ones the care they need to remain in the home with a minimal amount of disruption to their day-to-day routine.

About 5 Star Home Care

Higdon started 5 Star Home Care in 2007 after his own mother took on the responsibility to care for his grandmother. 5 Star carefully screens caregivers before hiring them and connects them with clients across Tennessee. For families who are concerned about the health and safety of their loved one, reach out to 5 Star Home Care at (423) 893-8181.

Realizing how precious our seniors are, 5 Star employs the most qualified caregivers who are hired only after undergoing careful background checks and drug screens. The company’s procedures are tailored to work towards constant monitoring, care management and never placing the senior at risk of being left without care.

5 Star Home Care is headquartered in Chattanooga and serves clients throughout Tennessee.

Home care services exist to provide the basic services that facilities do – light housekeeping, meal preparation and social activities – without removing the senior from the familiarity of home. It is a cost efficient alternative to an assisted living facility that preserves the aging loved one’s sense of freedom and comfort.

If you are struggling with how to best care for an aging or disabled relative, call or visit www.5starHomeCare.com at 423-893-8181 today.