Signs Your Family Member Needs In Home Care

Someone to Watch Over Your Loved One

As family members age, it is often a period of great transition. As health declines and cognitive impairment becomes more readily apparent, many elderly people are not willing to sacrifice their independence — nor should they have to! At Angels on Call Home Care, we believe that, for the most part, home is the best place for everyone! However, we also believe that every person should be safe in their homes. As people age, medical and physical conditions can decrease their ability to safely maintain their home by themselves, and that is where the angels of home caregiving come in. If you think that your aging family member needs more help, they probably do. But, sometimes, the signs are not so obvious. To help, here are some indications that your family member may benefit from in-home care.

1. Change in Nutrition Status

There are many causes of a change in nutrition status in the elderly, especially those who live alone. Perhaps your family member is having a hard time adjusting to life after the loss of their spouse or long-time pet. Depression or loneliness is often a contributing factor to a change in food preparation and eating habits. Additionally, in those who suffer from some form of memory loss or confusion, simple tasks become arduous and your family member may begin avoiding tasks that are difficult or, if the memory loss is severe enough, they may simply forget to eat! For those who are experiencing a significant change in eating habits, it may indicate a need for additional help and companion care. Whether the in-home care includes cooking or simply a reminder to cook, nutrition is a critical component to overall health, and an in-home care companion can help!

2. Messy Home or Self

This warning sign may not be as obvious if your family member was never particularly tidy to begin with. However, most people maintain themselves and their home in a certain manner, and any change to the norm can indicate a significant shift in their cognitive or emotional health. Similar to the change in food preparation and eating habits, a messy home or drop in personal hygiene can indicate something off and indicate the need for additional support or help.

3. Falls or Increased Fall Risk

A fall or change in balance, coordination, or judgment that may result in a fall, is a good reason to seek in-home care. Home modifications, such as securing rugs, shower chairs and handrails, and using an assistive device, can all help reduce the likelihood of falls but do not completely prevent them. An in-home companion can help assist elderly or injured patients to help prevent falls or offer constant reminders to use safe practices. If a patient does happen to fall, an in-home companion can get them help much quicker than if they were alone. If a recent fall was due to medication or a change in medical status, a home caregiver is able to better monitor vital signs and medications.

4. Recent Hospital Discharge

Being admitted to and discharged from the hospital does not necessarily warrant in-home care. However, if the discharge includes new medications, the need for physical therapy, wound care, or learning to manage new devices, short-term in-home care is a great idea to help ease the transition. Home caregivers can help discharged patients manage their new cares, and help in areas that may be difficult upon returning home, such as cooking, light housekeeping, and managing new assistive devices.

If your family member is exhibiting any of the above signs, it may be worth having a discussion about seeking some in-home care. Whether it is short-term, long-term, live-in or just periodic to help with specific tasks, in-home care is a great option for those who need a little extra help but are not ready to give up the independence and freedom of living on their own. At Angels on Call Home Care, we have different options for providing care to our clients. Our services range from full-time live-in care to weekly visits by a wound care nurse, and everything in between. If you are not sure what your loved one needs, contact us for an evaluation today.