Acceptance of bringing outside care into the home can be one of the trickier aspects of aging. Aging with dignity while maintaining function is always important, but at some point, your or a senior in your life may need to relinquish some independence and accept help. Here are five things to look for that indicate you or a loved one can benefit from in-home care.
1. Personal Hygiene or Home Cleanliness Troubles
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your loved one could use support in the home is when he or she is no longer able to manage what is known as activities of daily living (ADLs), which can include the following tasks:
• Bathing
• Grooming
• Oral and nail care
• Dressing
• Preparing and eating food
• Mobility
• Running errands
• Basic housework
A caregiver can aid in any of these duties to maintain appropriate personal hygiene, ensure healthy, nutritious foods are consumed, and stay on top of light housekeeping to keep your senior and the household running smoothly.
2. Frequent Falls
Have you or your senior experienced a fall? Whether it is due to blood pressure fluctuations, weakness, or loss of balance, falls are a danger that cannot be ignored. Having in-home care means an extra set of eyes and hands on-site to prevent falls or assist when your loved one does take a tumble.
3. Difficulty With Medication
Seniors may struggle to keep their prescriptions and supplements organized. If your loved one is confusing medicine dosage and frequency, he or she may need a caregiver to step in and ensure that medication is taken appropriately. A nurse can assist with medication management and setting up the pillboxes.
4. Isolation and Loneliness
Sometimes, having a caregiver is more about much-needed companionship for seniors who spend most of their time alone. This can be especially helpful if you or your loved one is unable to drive, limits interactions with friends or family members, or avoids religious services or other activities he or she used to enjoy.
5. Medical Professional Recommendation
Has a doctor, social worker, or other medical care provider suggested that in-home care could be beneficial for you or an elderly parent? Pay attention to that advice; it is based on objective observations or expertise about certain health conditions that your senior may have, especially if he or she has had a recent hospitalization and is slow to recover.
Proposing in-home care may seem monumental, but with Home Helpers of Drexel Hill on your side, you can maintain or improve your loved one’s quality of life. Contact us for more information about how to introduce the idea to your family as well as how to find a caregiver to provide much-needed assistance in the home.
