Five Signs It Might Be Time for Adult Foster Care

Caring for a loved one on your own can be rewarding — but also overwhelming. If you’re starting to feel burned out, or your loved one needs more support than you can provide alone, it might be time to consider Adult Foster Care (AFC). Here are five signs to watch for.

1. Daily Activities Are Becoming Too Challenging

Daily activities you need to function are considered Activities of Daily Living. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “[b]asic activities of daily living are tasks you typically do every day that are essential to your physical survival and well-being. They’re sometimes called physical activities of daily living because they relate to your body’s needs.” 

The list includes:

• Bathing: Including getting into or out of the bath or shower
• Personal hygiene: Such as dental hygiene and hair care
• Toileting: Using the toilet and moving on and off the the toilet without assistance
• Eating: Chewing, swallowing and using utensils effectively
• Dressing: Retrieving, putting on and fastening clothes and shoes
• Transfering: Moving from one spot to another as needed

Bathing, dressing and eating are key indicators. If your loved one struggles with these tasks, AFC services can help with dignity and consistency.

2. Safety Has Become a Concern

Frequent falls, memory issues, medication mix-ups or episodes of wandering could indicate it’s no longer safe for for your loved one to be left alone. 

Dangerous Missteps: The Risks of Falling at Home

In MCL’s resource center, we note that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. In fact, one quarter of Americans over 65 are injured each year in accidental falls In fact, one quarter of  Americans over 65 are injured each year in accidental falls Falls can have multiple causes including “challenges with eyesight, certain health conditions, mild cognitive impairment, muscle loss or everyday hazards around the home.” If your loved one has suffered a fall recently, it may be time to consider Adult Foster Care.

More than Forgetfulness: Memory Issues 

“Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But more significant memory problems, changes in thinking ability or personality, or poor decision-making could indicate a serious condition that requires medical attention,” explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH). How can you tell when normal forgetfulness starts becoming a cause for concern? According to the NIH, signs that it might be time to talk with a doctor include:

• Asking the same questions over and over again
• Getting lost in places they used to know well
• Having trouble following recipes or directions
• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
• Not taking care of themselves — eating poorly, not bathing or behaving unsafely

If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to transition to Adult Foster Care.

Prescription for Danger: Medication Mix-ups

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 83 percent of U.S. adults in their 60s and 70s had used at least one prescription drug in the previous 30 days and about one-third used five or more prescription drugs. With that many prescriptions in the mix, mistakes can have serious consequences. That’s why medication management is so important to seniors’ safety. Drug manufacturer Merck notes that “[d]rug effectiveness is often compromised by lack of patient adherence among ambulatory older adults.” In fact, half of older adults “do not take medications as directed, usually taking less than prescribed.” If you suspect your loved one might be having difficulty keeping track of their medications or taking them as prescribed, AFC can help.

Unhappy Wanderer: Warning Signs

It’s important to notice signs of potential wandering before the behavior starts. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, [w]andering is a common behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. And once the individual begins to show signs of wandering behaviors, they are at a high-risk of wandering away or becoming lost.” How can you tell if your loved one may start wondering? The Alzheimer’s Association says that common signs they may be at risk of wandering include:

• Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual
• Forgetting how to get to familiar places
• Talking about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work
• Trying or wanting to “go home” even when at home
• Becoming restless, pacing or making repetitive movements
• Having difficulty locating familiar places, such as the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
• Asking the whereabouts of past friends and family
• Acting as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done
• Appearing lost in a new or changed environment
• Becoming nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as markets or restaurants

These warning signs may indicate it’s time to consider the additional support provided by Adult Foster Care.

3. You Are Experiencing Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout is real and can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. Signs to look out for in yourself include: 

• Physical and emotional exhaustion: Do you get tired more easily or do you sometimes feel like you just can’t go on?
• Neglecting personal needs: Do you always seem to come last on your list of obligations?
• Social withdrawal: Have you been avoiding friends or just not making the time to connect with other people in your life?
• Changing sleep patterns: Have you had difficulty sleeping recently? Or have you been sleeping even more than usual?
• Difficulty concentrating: Do you have a hard time focusing on boring or repetitive tasks?

If you notice these signs, you may need more help providing adequate support for your loved one and still having the time and energy to take care of yourself. AFC allows family members to take a step back while still being involved in care. 

4. You’re Missing Work or Other Responsibilities

When caregiving interferes with your job or parenting, it’s a sign you need more support. In a recent survey by the AARP, two out of three caregivers (67%) said they are struggling to balance their jobs with caregiving responsibilities. More than a quarter (27%) had moved from full-time positions to part-time roles and about one in six (16%) had stopped working altogether because of their role as caregivers. And the burden is not equally felt by all. The survey found that “[w]omen caregivers, caregivers with lower household incomes, and caregivers without children under 18 in the home report less satisfaction with company support. These groups are also more likely to say they feel their career path was negatively impacted by their caregiving responsibilities.” When your caregiving duties impact your ability to work it can negatively affect your mental health and your financial stability. Adult Foster Care provides caregivers with help so they can make time for their jobs, plus a monthly payment for additional support.

5. You’re Seeking Professional Oversight

If taking care of a loved one has grown past your capacity, availability or skill, you may start looking for paid home care help. This solution can become expensive and difficult to manage. AFC programs include nurses and case managers to monitor the health and well-being of the member.

At Mass Care Link, our registered nurses and care managers provide support with areas including:

• Administrative and regulatory help
• Accessing Benefits
• Education & support
• Compassionate guidance

Is Adult Foster Care Right for Your Family?

At Mass Care Link, we help caregivers receive the compensation, support, and resources they need to succeed. Contact us today to learn how Adult Foster Care can change your life.