If you have an aging loved one, you might be wondering if it is time to look into home care services for them. Age alone isn’t a reason for hiring home care services, but if your loved one is infirm or has problems with mobility, a home care aide could greatly benefit them.
Home care aides act as assistants in the home, helping the senior with things like getting dressed, brushing their hair or teeth, showering or bathing, and preparing meals. In some cases, they can even transport your loved one to doctor’s appointments, although they cannot personally administer any medications.
But now that you know what sorts of benefits home care services can provide, how do you know that it is something your loved one really needs? Check out the list below, and ask yourself these five questions. If you answer yes to one or several of them, it might be time to look into home care services.
- Does my aging loved one have mobility problems?
If your loved one has a hard time getting out of bed or in and out of the shower, or has difficulty walking around the house in a normal way, they could need assistance. A home care aide can act as a support to help them move around the house safely, or they bring them the things that they need if it is more feasible for them to stay in bed. They can also keep the house clean so that when your senior is walking, they won’t trip over anything. - Does my aging loved one forget their medicines often?
This is a serious problem in many elderly men and women. Whether it is a result of memory loss from Alzheimer’s or similar illnesses, or just normal human forgetfulness, forgetting to take one’s medications (or taking it too often because one doesn’t remember taking it the first time) can cause some serious problems. Although a home care aide is not licensed to administer medications, they can remind the senior to take them at the proper time. - Is my loved one neglecting their personal hygiene?
Neglecting personal hygiene can be a sign that the senior is having trouble with daily tasks like showering, brushing their hair or teeth, and getting dressed. As mentioned in the introduction, home care aides can help with all of these things. And, once they look better, your loved one will feel better too. - Is my loved one suffering from memory problems?
Medications aside, forgetting many things, like whether they left the fire on the stove on or that they are allergic to certain foods can be extremely dangerous. A home care aide can be there to keep accidents from happening if your loved one forgets something, and they can help to remind them of the things they need to know. - Am I feeling overwhelmed as the family caregiver?
Caregiving is a stressful job. If your loved one’s health has deteriorated to the point where they need frequent or even around the clock care, you could be feeling overwhelmed if you are trying to do it alone. Hiring a home care aide can take a lot of the pressure off of you, and can help ease tension in the home.
If these things sound familiar, it might be time to look into home care services. It is a big decision, but it can be the right one for your loved one and your family.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Westwood MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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