10 Signs it Might be Time for In-Home Care

As your elders or loved ones continue to age, the decision of whether or when to seek some kind of medical/living assistance becomes increasingly pressing. There are a number of reasons we and our elders may choose in-home care over an assisted living facility. These reasons include but are not limited to the following:

• They need an individualized level of care that cannot be provide at a facility
• Lower overall costs than the amount paid for admittance to an assisted living facility
• The freedom for the elder in your life to stay in a home they love

If you and the elder in your life have decided that in-home care is the method you would like to employ in the future, you will need to watch for signs that the time has come to make the transition. Here are 10 signs, it’s time for your elder to begin receiving in-home care.

1. Falls

As we age, the risk of falls becomes increasingly greater as does the potential for injury from a fall. A broken hip is among the most common injuries and can be extremely dangerous. Homes with stairs, hard floors, and uneven flooring pose the greatest risk.

2. Worsening or Chronic Health Problems

Everyone will begin to notice medical problems as we approach and pass 50. Inevitably, concerns will arise that may surpass our ability to seek medical attention or that may require immediate care. Heart and circulatory conditions are the most common problems that can require 24-hour care.

3. Medications Management Problems

Many, if not most people, will accumulate a collection of daily medications as we age. These will tend to become more complicated and greater in number. When medications become too much for one person to manage alone, professional care is usually necessary.

4. Daily Living Activities

The activities of daily living such as toileting, hygiene, cooking, cleaning, dressing, and so forth are things that most of us take for granted. But when we lose the ability to do one or more simple daily tasks, life may become unmanageable. This is a strong indication that the time for care has arrived.

5. Eating Habits

Aging persons in their advanced years will often lose the energy and interest to shop for, cook, and eat complete, healthy meals. This can accelerate health problems and lead to rapid degeneration. In-home care professionals excel at providing regular, healthy meals.

6. Difficulty With Hygiene

Daily washing is an important aspect of maintaining general good health for people of all ages. As we age, however, even a small amount of stiffness in the wrong part of the body can prevent us from completing a full self-cleaning routine. These problems will accumulate quickly, and in time assistance will become necessary.

7. Mobility Issues

As we advance in age, we tend to begin to move more slowly and with more effort. While this is normal, it will inevitably advance to the point where we are no longer able to be independent. Decreased mobility is a good warning sign to watch for, indicating other problems may be on the horizon.

8. Difficulty Driving

If a senior needs to get around town to make medical appointments, to go shopping, or for any other reason, there will come a time when it is no longer safe to do so. This is not only about protecting our elders, but it is also about protecting the people in our communities.

9. Inability to Care for the Home

If the home cannot be kept tidy and sanitary, cleanliness issues can quickly accumulate. High grass around the home may attract pests, and an untidy floor may become a tripping hazard.

10. Signs of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease, senile dementia, and other cognitive disorders of the elderly are strong signs that the time to seek out care has arrived.

Reach Out to Professionals Today for More Information

Naturally, this list cannot be comprehensive. It may be difficult to recognize or admit that the time for senior care has come. Being ready and willing to do so can help to prevent serious illness or injury and help ensure our elders are able to live out their golden years in safety and dignity.

Would you like to learn more about the best option for your loved one? Contact CarenetLA today.

Categorised in: In-home care