How to Tell if a Senior Needs At-Home Care

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If you’re concerned about your elderly parent living alone, it may be time to look into in-home care. This type of compassionate care and support enables seniors to remain in the comfort of home while receiving the assistance they need to maintain their regular routines, independence, and dignity. Families also enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in caring, professional hands.

So who exactly is home care right for? All seniors are candidates for home care. Whether your loved one needs help a few hours a day or 24-hour care and monitoring is required to manage a chronic condition, services can be tailored to meet individual needs. While the benefits of home care are numerous, most seniors utilize home caregivers for the following reasons.

Daily Activities Become Difficult to Complete

The aging proces can be associated with loss of vision, limited range of motion, and decreased mobility, which can make daily tasks difficult and even dangerous to complete. If your loved one faces difficulty with activities of daily living such as cooking or cleaning, hourly home care is a great option. Seniors can receive occasional help on an as-needed basis so they can maintain as much of their independence as possible.

Personal Care Needs Are an Issue

Areas of the home such as the bathroom can be dangerous, making bathing, grooming, and dressing difficult for seniors to perform independently. If your loved one needs assistance with these activities, a caregiver can help with daily routines and ensure your loved one is safe and comfortable.

Driving Becomes Dangerous

Seniors experience a range of age-related changes, including decreased reflexes, impaired vision, and memory loss, which can endanger senior drivers as well as others on the road. Home care is great for seniors who need reliable transportation for grocery shopping, attending medical appointments, and running errands.

A Senior Is Recovering from a Medical Procedure

The periods following hospital procedures are when seniors are most vulnerable. Not only will they face changes in mobility, they’ll also likely be prescribed new medications and be under careful diet and exercise orders from their doctors. To ensure safety and comfort during recovery, seniors and their families may want to arrange for in-home caregivers.

If you aren’t able to be with your loved one while he is recovering from an illness or injury, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Elderly home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There’s Been a Diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Family caregivers often step in to provide care for their loved ones after a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. However, as the disease progresses and needs become more complex, it’s often beneficial for both seniors and family caregivers to utilize professional home care. Your loved one can receive high-quality care in the comfort of home while you take time to rest and recuperate.

Family Doesn’t Live Close By

If your loved one lives far away from close family members, a caregiver can provide check-ins to give you peace of mind. The caregiver will be able to help with a variety of daily activities, from light housekeeping to medication reminders, and he or she can provide companionship to help your loved one combat feelings of loneliness and depression.

If you see any of the signs listed above, talk openly with your loved one about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to help. When considering home care service, Harrisburg, PA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Reach out to us at Home Care if you need compassionate professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (717) 540-4663.

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