We all know that our loved one’s physical health can change as they get older. While often loved ones can adapt to these changes and continue living independently, eventually, they may need some extra help. In the early stages, it might be possible for relatives, such as yourself to lend a hand with certain tasks. Maybe they just need a hand to mow the lawns or do the heavier garden work, or maybe they need support with the grocery shopping once a week. However, not everyone is able to give that sort of help, or maybe you have been helping your loved one but now their needs are higher than you can meet. At Home Care Assistance, this is where our Care Professionals can help with a tailored care program designed to meet your loved ones needs. The decision to take the step of getting in home care can be difficult. We have put together this guide on signs it might be time to consider home care for your loved one.
- Struggling with Activities of Daily Living
If your loved one is starting to struggle with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and moving around the house, they may need home care. At Home Care Assistance, our Care Professionals can help with these tasks to ensure your loved one’s basic needs are met. The amount of care provided can be tailored for your loved one so they can maintain independence as much as possible, while still getting the support they need.
- Weight Loss or Gain, or a Change in Eating Habits
Changes in weight or eating habits can be a sign that your loved one is having trouble shopping and preparing meals. They may also be forgetting to eat. While weight changes should also trigger a check-up with their doctor to check for underlying health conditions, they may just need help preparing meals and making sure they eat a healthy diet.
- Being Unable to Maintain the House
We all have those times when the house can get a little messy, or we get behind on the housework, but if your loved one’s house is constantly unclean or messy, they may need assistance to do the housework and keep things under control – this is particularly true if this never used to be an issue for them. Getting home care from a Care Professional to help with the heavy housework items such as vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and hanging up the washing might even be enough so they can keep on top of the rest. It is important to identify which tasks they need help with.
- An Increase in Falls or Deterioration in Health Conditions
If you find your loved one’s health conditions deteriorate, it may indicate a need for help to manage these conditions such as with taking medications or adhering to rehabilitation protocols involving diet and exercise. An increase in falls can also indicate a need for assistance to move around the house safely and complete certain tasks. It might be that your loved one has unexplained bruises or is ending up in the hospital more regularly. While some medical conditions will deteriorate over time and cause an increase in hospitalisations, these can often be reduced through good home care from a Care professional.
- Forgetfulness, Confusion, or Changes in Mood
Getting confused if you are at home without help can be quite distressing and can cause depression and anxiety. Further, a person who is forgetful or confused may leave the house when it is unsafe or get lost. Mood changes can also result from being home alone and feeling socially disconnected. Having a Care Professional in the home to look after your loved one can help keep them safe and reassured and help keep them connected.
Every person is different. This means the point at which your loved one needs home care, and the type of care they need will be specific to them. At Home Care Assistance, our Care Professionals can implement tailored care plans that meet your loved one’s needs. This can help them live in their home safely for as long as possible. Keeping an eye out for signs that Home Care may soon be needed helps you engage that care for your loved one before bigger issues arise.
Support of a home care agency like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
