By Maria Burke, RN, Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care
It’s never easy to think of our loved ones declining. But quickly getting assistance for your loved one will help him or her live as long and happy a life as possible. Here are five signs your beloved senior is ready for home health care.
1. Changes in Dress and Hygiene
Is your once-stylish senior loved one now spending the day in sweatpants or pajamas? Or have you noticed that he or she goes outdoors without a coat when it’s cold? Have they stopped shaving or brushing their hair? Or perhaps they aren’t bathing as often as they should.
Changes in the way seniors dress and care for themselves could be a sign that they need in-home health care. For example, wearing clothes that are inappropriate for the weather could signal the start of dementia. And a sudden change in style or hygiene could be a sign of physical problems or fears of falling.
2. A Messy House
If your loved one suddenly stops doing housework, it could be a sign that it’s time for in-home health care. A clean, safe environment is essential to living well as we age. So, if your senior loved one is no longer able to manage on their own, you’ll want to begin investigating proper and quality home care assistance.
Dishes piling up, laundry going undone, clutter taking over the home, and safety hazards like loose cords are all signs your beloved senior is most likely ready for in-home health care.
3. Giving Up Social Activities
Has your senior loved one always been a social butterfly in the past? But now, they’ve stopped going to bridge club, don’t meet up with their friends, and rarely call family members? These are signs your beloved senior is changing and requires attention to their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Losing interest in social activities could be a sign of depression. But it’s also possible your loved one can no longer manage getting to and from activities. You’ll want to check whether they are still safely able to drive or if they are maybe experiencing financial pressures.
4. Confusion
Does your senior loved one tell the same story over and over? Do they forget to take their medicine? Have they forgotten food on the stove until it burned? Do they get lost in familiar places and forget familiar people? If so, it may be time for in-home health care.
Confusion may signal the beginning of serious problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. And forgetting to take medicine, pay bills, or turn off the stove are all serious safety risks, as is getting lost in familiar places. If you notice these signs, seek help for your senior loved one.
5. Physical Challenges
As we age, it’s natural to develop some physical challenges. And it can sometimes be hard for families to know when those challenges signal the need for in-home health care.
If your loved one is struggling with balance, has difficulty climbing stairs, has fallen, or experiences pain when sitting or standing too long, he or she may be ready for a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide. Losing or gaining weight can also be a sign your loved one is experiencing health problems or struggling with self-care.
If you are worried that your senior loved one is no longer safe living at home without assistance, make an appointment to speak with his or her doctor and discuss your concerns.
Remember, when the need for home health arises, we are always ready to help. Contact us today to learn more.
