Determining when it might be time for seniors to have a little extra help isn’t always the easiest decision for family caregivers. There are a lot of variables to consider, especially when it comes to helping aging adults maintain their independence and continue to age in place. Knowing which subtle changes to watch for in daily routines, health, or behavior can help family caregivers determine when to start a conversation about home care assistance.
Physical Challenges
Mobility challenges, difficulty walking, reduced strength, and other physical difficulties can be strong indicators that seniors may need more help. Other signs might include unexpected weight loss, frequent falls, or decreased activity levels. Home care assistance providers can provide seniors with stability and monitor for signs of underlying health issues.
Issues with ADLs and Personal Care Tasks
ADLs, or activities of daily living, are the activities people perform every day as routine parts of life. These are often personal care tasks, such as grooming, bathing, and laundry, as well as cooking meals and maintaining their homes.
When family caregivers notice that seniors are having trouble with these tasks, the answer may be to bring in professional home care assistance caregivers to help.
Cognitive Changes
Memory lapses, like missing appointments or forgetting to take important medications, might be a sign that seniors need some extra help. Small episodes of forgetfulness can be a result of stress, but larger ones might mean that seniors should talk with their doctors.
For safety reasons, seniors may need more supervision, and home care assistance can take care of that.
Emotional or Social Difficulties
Social withdrawal is another clear sign that seniors may benefit from home care services. Isolation and loneliness can hit quickly for seniors, leading to other mental health issues like depression. If seniors are exhibiting mood changes or signs of depression, they might not be getting the social interaction that they need.
What Can Home Care Assistance Do?
Once it becomes clear that seniors and family caregivers need more help, why is home care the right choice? Professional caregivers can help with household tasks, such as preparing meals and handling light chores. They can also assist seniors with personal care tasks, monitor for safety issues, and provide companionship. Because they are experienced in supporting aging adults with a range of needs, they can also step in for family caregivers when they need respite.
Home care assistance works with seniors and family caregivers to develop comprehensive care plans that support families in the ways they need.
The biggest selling point of home care assistance for seniors may be the ability to age in place for as long as they wish. The support professional caregivers provide gives both family caregivers and seniors the peace of mind to relax and go with the flow more often.
If you or someone you know needs Home Care Assistance in Hutchinson, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.