Being objective when it comes to a loved one is tricky when their safety and quality of life are in question. However, if you find yourself looking for signs that your loved one needs home care, this advice might help. Seniors can become defensive when asked about their independence. There are no specific guidelines for each age. Home care can be designed to be non-invasive and a positive addition to the senior lifestyle. Communication is vital in discussing signs that your loved person needs home care. Being respectful can provide direction in your choices. Compassionate understanding can lend a caring atmosphere to your conversations.
Common Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Care
When significant differences in the appearance, ability, and functionality of your loved one consistently appear, it may be time to consider a conversation. Listening to your loved one is of utmost importance when addressing your concerns. Signs that your loved one needs home care could be due to a few simple issues you can quickly resolve. It is essential to express that you have no intentions of limiting the independence of your loved one; you just want to offer help where needed.
Appearance and Personality Changes
Physical and behavioral changes are significant factors that are easily identifiable. For example, poor personal hygiene, drastic weight changes, and rewearing clothes are indicators of a problem. While dietary habits may change in later years, nutrition needs are essential for monitoring. Signs that your loved one needs home care could lead to assistance in preparing meals, doing laundry, and providing companionship if needed.
Loneliness and depression can appear in personality changes such as intense mood swings, lack of interest in their usual activities, and self-isolation from family and friends.
It is proven that isolation could increase the risks of dementia or depression and reduce their quality of life. Therefore, you should compassionately discuss these signs that your loved one needs home care with your loved one.
Performing Day-to-Day Tasks Present New Challenges
We never know when our loved one is faced with new challenges in performing tasks that once were simple. However, open conversations concerning daily activities and listening closely to the answers to your questions could reveal problem issues. It is impossible to help if you don’t know the extent of any problem. Be aware to key in on signs that your loved one needs home care with a short or long list of issues.
Driving is a significant concern and affects independence on a high level. Signs that your loved one needs home care can be tied to eyesight, strength, and any new medical conditions and medications. In addition, caregivers can help with doctor visits, grocery shopping, or other appointments. Another widely overlooked factor is looking further into the state of the car your loved one is driving. Be sure it is being serviced and is in good condition.
Increase in Memory Problems
Senior moments are expected, forgetting where you put the keys or where you put your cup of coffee. Failing to take medicines, paying a bill, or increasing confusion can indicate signs that your loved one needs home care to ensure safety and lifestyle. A home care visitor can monitor the severity of these failing processes. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease both have memory problem indicators that need to be identified and treated.
Walking with an Unsteady Gait and Accidents
Have you noticed an irregular walking pattern with your loved one? Maybe your loved one has mentioned falling more than a few times, losing their balance, or passing out. The unsteadiness could be a medical problem, and a doctor’s visit can provide insight. But also, this could be one of the signs that your loved one needs home care for safety purposes.
More than one-third of older adults fall annually in the US. It’s one of the significant factors in seniors losing their independence. Maintaining the living environment to reduce clutter and leave pathways through the house open can help. In addition, reducing fall risks can reduce accidents that show signs that your loved one needs home care.
Next Steps After Recognizing a Problem
The family, your loved one included, must determine what level of home care is needed.
Many options range from just a few hours a day to all day and night. Once your loved one is assured that these measures are helpful and not a pathway to losing all independence, they will cooperate more. It is also a good idea to start a journal with the signs that your loved one needs home care listed so the care team can document changes in the future.
Family members may want to commit to providing minimal care in the beginning. Home care can be more like a visit in these cases and not so invasive in having a stranger come into the home. Exploring the options available that will be covered or not covered by insurance is essential. Documented signs that your loved one needs home care and written evaluations from a physician may be required.
Home care agencies offer professionals trained medically and licensed to perform caregiver tasks. In addition, professional agencies can supply references to those who have used their services. Depending on the level of care needed, assisted living options can address home care over a long-term period. Professionals are trained to recognize the signs that your loved one needs home care. They can monitor any progression of deterioration.
Find Help for Your Loved One In Nashville Who May Need Home Care
We can facilitate a meeting with your loved one and family members to discuss the options we provide in Nashville. Luxury Home Care offers understanding and compassionate home care professionals to visit the home and perform the needed duties. Our caregivers are more like family and friends than just strangers employed to check-in. Contact us to schedule an informative session to map out your options.
