When it comes to our parents, the bond they have with their children often makes it essential to ensure they get the best care as they grow older. As the Indian population ages, people need to understand that hiring caregiving in their elder’s home is in the best interest of the patient. The World Bank notes that more than 100 million of inhabitants of India are aged 60 years and older, making India the country with the second largest number of aged people in the world. However, there are warning signs that may compel one to consider employing the services of an at-home healthcare provider for their parents.
Changes in Mobility: If your parents are having problems with locomotion like weakness, or cannot walk or stand up from a chair then there might be a need to hire in-home care. A current demographic survey reveals that about 20% of elderly people in India have some form of mobility disability- HelpAge India.
Forgetfulness and Confusion: Lack of coherency in thinking and constant forgetting are some of the signs that might indicate the beginning of cognitive decline. But in India itself, it is estimated that roughly 10 per cent of the elderly population is affected with dementia which makes at-home nursing care critical for their security and survival.
Difficulty Managing Medications: It becomes a complex issue if your parents are facing this problem of handling their medications as this puts their health at risk. Some statistics reveal that about 70% of Indians above the age of 60 need at least one prescription medication, and therefore, the proper intake of their medications is essential.
Increased Isolation: A significant number of elders in India live in social isolation, which may have negative effects on their psychological and emotional development. The at-home health care increases the chance of companionship to decrease the chance of isolation.
Changes in Personal Hygiene: These sorts of symptoms, such as reduced personal cleanliness, can be a sign that your parents need some help with getting through each day. It is often witnessed among elderly people in India since most of them can barely work physically and are surrounded by health complications.
Safety Concerns: The signs that your parents might need help with the chores include any unexplained falls or other accidents or injuries. Since about 30% of the elderly people of India experience falls in some way or the other, it is important to have a safe environment.
Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition: They have issues such as poor appetite or inability to prepare meals, which could lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition among the aged population in India was reported to be between 10-20% in a study conducted by the Agewell Foundation.
Increased Dependence: If your parents are relying on you or other family members to provide them with assistance in performing daily tasks, then at-home healthcare can help them get the care they require.
Chronic Health Conditions: The findings reveal that the elderly from India have been documented to live with different chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis among others. Thus, at-home healthcare plays a significant role in ensuring that the conditions are well managed.
Caregiver Burnout: If you or other family members are feeling exhausted and drained up as a caregiver, you need to seek more help. Home care can help you get the relief that you need and it can also allow your parents to get the care that they need.
Conclusion
These signs are important to acknowledge so you can make proper decisions regarding your parents’ care. Home care can give your parents professional care, medical attention, and company so that they can spend the golden age of their lives in the comfort of their home. However, if you are thinking of home healthcare for your parents, then you need to know what avenues you can take to find the proper care.
Thus, it is safe to argue that as the elderly population in India rises, having a carer at home becomes a crucial concern in families. That is why recognising the signs that indicate the need for at-home care makes it possible for parents to age comfortably and with dignity.
It is helpful to look into the various choices for healthcare for parents at home and identify one that works best for your loved ones. Your parents must receive proper care so they can be happy and comfortable staying at their own home.