Some adults find that their sleep patterns change as they age. It can be more difficult to fall asleep and they awaken more times in the night. The overall sleep time is about the same or maybe slightly less than 8 hours. Because the person is having difficulty falling and staying asleep, they may spend more total hours in bed just trying to get enough total sleep time.

Some factors that affect sleep

• Age
• Pain from illnesses or injuries
• Depression
• Sleep apnea
• Medications
• Uncomfortable bed

Having difficulty sleeping can be very annoying and make a person feel more tired than usual during the day. For the older adult, they may feel the need to nap during the day. The only problem with that is it causes the sleep problems to continue. If naps are needed, they should be early in the afternoon and not last for too long.

When sleep difficulties drag on for weeks it’s time to have your elderly parent checked out by their doctor. Other illnesses need to be eliminated so you can get to the bottom of the sleeping disorder.

Sometimes the older adult is afraid. There is a tendency for older adults who live alone to be afraid of sounds, noises or just the thought of being alone after dark. Take Edith for example, she was so afraid of sleeping alone in the house she would spend hours pushing furniture against the front door before she would go to bed. Then once in bed her sleep was not restful.

Overnight care may be the answer for the elder who doesn’t need any care at night but does need someone else to be sleeping in the house with them. For the elder who needs help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing or laundry, elderly home care would be more suitable.

It’s important for you to know you have trusted care for your aging loved one. Having a compassionate caregiver is an invaluable resource to you, the family caregiver. It helps you and other family members go about the other duties in your lives without the worry of who is taking care of your elderly loved one’s needs.

When you allow someone else to help you shoulder the caregiving role, you are able to blossom again. You can become who you really are: their daughter or son. Your time with them can be spent making fun and loving memories instead of being overwhelmed and stressed trying to juggle all the responsibilities in your life as well as caring for them. Helping your parents to get kind and caring professional caregivers is one of the most unselfish decisions you can make.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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