Your elderly mom or dad may need you now more than ever as they slowly succumb to the effects of old age. Perhaps you’ve noticed that they struggle to shower or dress themselves. It may be that they can no longer clean or maintain the house like they used to. They might face mobility problems if they use a cane, walker, or wheelchair to get around. In other words, they can no longer live independently, but want to stay at home. It may be time for you to hire a senior care provider to assist them. But should that include night care?

Hiring a senior care provider means that you are arranging for a professional assistant to aid your elderly mom or dad in their home. The senior care provider will help with tasks your aging parent needs to be safe and healthy. During the day, your parent probably needs assistance with bathing or showering, as this task can be very difficult for seniors with disabilities. Getting dressed, grooming, and toileting are other very common tasks that senior with arthritis, stiff limbs, weakened muscles, poor balance, and other afflictions struggle with.

Other tasks that elderly adults may need assistance with during the day include meal preparation, housecleaning, laundry, and pet care. If they no longer drive, your elderly parents could have their senior care provider drive them to appointments and events as needed. With a full-time senior care provider, your aging parents will be in good hands.

When it comes to night care, the responsibilities are a little different. The night senior care provider helps the elderly parent get ready to sleep and all that entails. It may include a light snack, changing in to sleepwear, applying lotion, reminding them about medicine and securing the home for the night. Other night tasks could include light housework, pet care, and anything else required. Many seniors have difficulty sleeping through the night and require any number of things, from going to the toilet to getting some water to falling back asleep after sleep apnea. Of course, the senior care provider is on hand for any emergencies that might occur.

It’s not unusual for family caregivers like yourself to focus so much on the aspects of care during the day that you overlook the importance of the night care. It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that your elderly parent won’t need care at night because they will be sleeping. However, there are many things that might require assistance at night, just as in the day. However, at night, your elderly loved one is more vulnerable and less likely to be alert, awake, and focused on things.

As a family caregiver, you must plan for senior care during the day as well as throughout the night. Both are important for keeping your elderly loved one healthy and safe at home. As their physical and mental needs change, you can adjust the level of care they receive from the senior care provider.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Houston, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas.