How do I know my loved one may benefit from home care to help them maintain their independence and safety?
As our family members age, it’s not uncommon for the question above to become one of the more nagging points of concern when it comes to ensuring their loved one is safe. Navigating the complex world of aging care can often be overwhelming, and sometimes leave seniors and their loved ones feeling intimidated when it comes to finding the right fit.
Home care is a great idea for those who recognize that they (or someone they love) could benefit from assistance with their daily needs, as well as light nursing services. As a non-intrusive option that helps provide peace of mind and safety, home care gives you or your loved one valuable support while maintaining their independence. At Compassion Network Home Care, we’re proud to partner with seniors and their families for a wide range of home care-based services in Edmonton and Calgary.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top signs you may want to consider home care assistance. Read on to learn more.
When to Consider Home Care
The right time to choose home care assistance is a personal decision for everyone and can vary greatly depending on your specific needs. Some may need helping easing back into home life following a hospital stay or coping with medical concerns like dementia or Parkinson's, others may simply wish for more companionship and help around the home.
When considering if you or someone you love may benefit, think about the following:
What Are Their Living Conditions?
It’s natural for homes to have their ebbs and flows when it comes to being tidy and clean, but if your loved one seems to be consistently falling behind on household chores and their living space looks cluttered or increasingly unclean, it may be a sign that extra help is needed. In certain cases, assistance could be as minimal as introducing some smart gadgets like a robot mop/vacuum or paying some neighbourhood kids to shovel/cut the grass. In others, particularly where there is a single adult involved, it could be beneficial to look at having an in-home caregiver visit to assist with basic essentials.
Look For Signs of Weight Loss
Cooking can be a bit of a chore, and it’s not uncommon for seniors to lose weight as they struggle to cook for one and keep up with groceries. Bear in mind, it’s important to distinguish whether or not any sudden weight loss is purely environmental versus condition related, but if you’re able to determine that your loved one simply needs help in the kitchen or getting groceries, home care may be able to assist.
Failing Memory
As we age, it’s to be expected that our memories won’t stay the same and will eventually begin to suffer over time. If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs of accelerated memory loss, it’s important to speak with a doctor to determine whether in-home care would be beneficial, or if you may need to consider other routes for long-term wellness.
Personal Hygiene Begins to Suffer
One of the hardest parts of getting older is struggling to care for ourselves when performing basic activities like showering, using the washroom, and other personal tasks. While admitting that one may be suffering in this area can be embarrassing, it’s important to know that there are countless ways to handle such an experience without compromising your dignity. If you’ve noticed that your loved one seems to be having a little difficulty with basic hygiene tasks, you may want to begin to have a conversation about considering home care.
Compassion Network Home Care is Here to Help
At Compassion Network Home Care, we know how important it is for seniors to maintain their sense of freedom and autonomy. We’re proud to offer reliable home care services designed to help keep those we love safe and happy in their own homes.
Learn more about our available home care services in Edmonton and Calgary and if they may be best for your family by contacting us today!
