Aging adults sometimes need to get up at night because of bladder issues or chronic pain. At other times, they may be confused about the time of day or wander because they have a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. These are just some of the reasons you might find yourself missing out on sleep to tend to your senior loved one’s needs. If this is what you’ve been facing lately, here are some ways to tell if your parent may need professional overnight care.
Frequent Late-Night Wandering
If your parent only wanders at night every now and then, you may be able to manage this situation with door alarms or a motion detector that alerts you when this is happening. However, it’s time to consider overnight care if nighttime wandering episodes are occurring 2–3 times a week or more.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare services. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Behavioral Problems
You may find yourself needing to be more vigilant at night if your parent has certain behavioral issues. Nighttime behavioral problems that require overnight care could include:
• Waking up frequently and needing assistance before getting back to sleep
• Rummaging through cabinets, closets, or drawers
• Frequently needing help to safely get to the bathroom
Recovering from an Illness or Surgery
Seniors recovering from an illness may need to be observed overnight until they get better. Your loved one could also need more overnight assistance than you can provide without sacrificing your own sleep if he or she has limitations because of recent surgery. Certain medications that need to be taken post-surgery could also cause grogginess or disorientation that could make getting up at night risky.
Physical Conditions
Professional overnight care is worth considering if your parent has a physical condition that increases his or her fall risk. For instance, Parkinson’s disease can cause leg muscles to weaken or affect balance and coordination enough to increase the risk of nighttime falls if there’s a need to get out of bed. Overnight care can also be beneficial if your parent has vision or hearing problems that affect the ability to safely get up during the night when necessary.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Amarillo families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Negative Effects on Your Own Health
Whether you live in the same house with your parent or you’re only a 5–10 minute drive away, being called on several times during the night can take a toll on your health and overall wellbeing. If you get to the point where you’re sleep-deprived and irritable because of it, you may not be in a position to provide the type of care your parent needs during the day, let alone at night. Both you and your parent will likely benefit from professional overnight in-home care if you’re:
• Unable to sleep well because you’re concerned your parent may need you during the night
• Having difficulty remaining calm and comforting when providing care because of increased overnight care demands
• Overly stressed and anxious to the point where you can no longer tend to your own needs
If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Amarillo, Texas, live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors. Call Home Care Assistance at (806) 803-9991 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.