As we age, the process can cause changes in our mental and physical abilities that can inhibit our self-sufficient lifestyle, hamper our activity, and even threaten our ability to be fully independent. While that doesn’t necessarily require moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home, it may mean that some type of extra support is required to age in place. While family members will typically shoulder the responsibility of caring for their aging loved ones, it can lead to inadequate care for the senior and added stress for the caregiver. That’s where we come in.
At Caring Family Home Health, we’re dedicated to helping our patients age in place, gracefully, healthily, and independently. It’s precisely why we provide them with professional caregivers — not only to benefit them, but to relieve some of the obligations from the family caregivers as well. We are a centralized point of care offering assistance with daily living and skilled therapy, even suited for patients in post-hospitalization recovery. But how do you know when it’s time to consider home care services? While this can be a delicate subject to discuss, it’s necessary to address the increasing care needs of your loved one. Let’s take a look at when it’s time for in-home care.
The Signs a Loved One Requires Assistance
There can be a number of signs that your loved one is no longer able to complete their everyday tasks without assistance, but many of them are subtle. Look for any changes in personal appearance or notice the cleanliness of their home. Things like unopened mail piled up or wrinkled clothes and unkempt hair may seem like minor details, but they can actually be a signal that your loved one’s functional abilities are declining.
Other signs of declining physical or mental status include:
- Extreme clutter
- Unsanitary conditions
- Inadequate food in the house
- Unexplained bruising
- Weight loss
- A decline in grooming habits
How to Initiate the Conversation for In-Home Care
While discussing in-home care for your loved one may be a sensitive subject, it’s a necessary one to have, before a crisis occurs. There’s no need to be awkward — you only have their best interests in mind, so remember that. You can start by asking your loved one what they think is happening and what could be a reasonable solution to the problem. If they refuse to recognize these issues, then use definitive examples to voice your concerns.
Another way to address the challenges that your loved one is facing is to rely on an authority figure, like their primary care physician. Once they understand your concerns, they can reinforce the fact that your loved one will need some sort of professional support to age in place safely. You could also call on a respected family friend, a geriatric care specialist, or even a hospital social worker to support your case for in-home care. Either way, it’s crucial to put yourself in their shoes and treat them with respect without patronizing them.
While caring for adults can create some challenges and may require some difficult choices, their safety and health is ultimately your greatest concern — and it’s ours, too. That’s why we provide professional in-home care services — to give you the peace of mind that your loved one is aging in place safely and gracefully. We accept a variety of payment plans including private insurances and government-funded health plans.
From more information on our in-home care services, contact us today.
