No one wants to think about it, but there will come a time when Mom or Dad can’t take care of themselves. While some remain healthy for the rest of their lives, seven times out of ten, seniors turning 65 will need long-term care and one must keep writing progress notes for their remaining years alive. If you’re worried that your parents might need more support than they let on, but don’t know if it’s time to broach the subject with them, here are three key signs that your loved ones may benefit from home care.
1. Is It Basic Forgetfulness or Alzheimer’s?
Your parents seem to lose track of things more often than they once did. You’ve lost count of the number of times they’ve regaled you with a story from your childhood that you just heard within the last 24 hours. They forget what day it is even with evidence of the date right in front of them.
A little bit of forgetfulness is understandable. However, if it’s a recurring thing, then your loved ones may need home care, especially if they take any medications for physical conditions.
2. They’ve Fallen, and They Can’t Get Up
Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in seniors. They can lead to broken bones, internal damage, and other wounds. If you’ve had to help your parents get back up after they’ve fallen down somewhere in their home, then it may be time to invest in supportive home care. A proper caregiver can make sure your loved one has the support they need when walking from place to place.
3. Basic Self Maintenance Suffers
If you walk into your parents’ house, and the first question out of your mouth is, “What is that smell?”, then your parents may require in-home care. Home and health maintenance are among the first things to decline as your loved ones’ condition worsens. They may forget to bathe themselves or wipe after using the bathroom. They may not see the point in maintaining the home or lack the energy or strength to handle basic cleaning and maintenance tasks themselves.
This is where in-home care services can help your loved ones. They can take care of and assist with tasks that your parents can’t do on their own anymore.
Home Care Isn’t the End of Independence
Despite the reputation it receives, in-home care isn’t the end of independence for your loved ones. Rather, it provides them with vital support in areas where they need it most. Depending on your state and location, you may receive help based on a home care and family support grant. Research your options online, though, as scams abound in this field.
Most Importantly, Have the Conversation
We know that discussing the need for home care with your loved ones isn’t easy. However, if they’ve shown signs of forgetfulness, falling, or self-neglect, then it’s time to have that conversation. Doing that will improve their lives for the better.
If you found this article on the signs that your loved one needs home care informative, and need more lifestyle or caregiving tips, check out our blog for more content like this.
