When Is it Time to Consider Home Care Assistance?

Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Age often comes hand in hand with some big challenges. Family caregivers may want to get their aging family members more help, but not know for sure when it’s time to do so. Understanding some of the signs that home care assistance is a good idea helps family caregivers make the right decision for their senior’s care.
Declining Health
As health problems get bigger, seniors may start to have more trouble with daily tasks. They may not be eating well any longer and they may lose weight or muscle tone quickly. These outer indications that senior health is changing need to be addressed as quickly as possible. Getting home care assistance in place gives seniors the help they need with daily tasks, even helping with transportation to medical appointments.
Increased Isolation
When seniors stop spending time with family members, friends, and even just acquaintances in their neighborhoods, that’s a sign that there could be more happening. Socialization is so important for aging adults, and not having social encounters leads to loneliness, depression, and other mental health issues. Home care providers can help seniors to get the support and social engagement that they need.
Accidents or Falls
Even a near miss is something that family caregivers need to take seriously, but an accident or actual fall are very real problems. These issues can lead to serious health complications that affect seniors for the rest of their lives. If seniors are experiencing frequent injuries from accidents or falls, they definitely need additional help.
Trouble with Housekeeping
Some people look at a home that is less tidy than it used to be as a preference issue or even a sign of “laziness.” But it’s usually a sign that seniors are having more trouble keeping up with tasks that weren’t an issue before. Home care assistance can take over these tasks for seniors, allowing them to rest and remain in an environment that is both comfortable and safe.
Trouble with Hygiene
Hygiene tasks like changing clothing or taking a shower could also suffer if seniors need more practical assistance. Elder care providers can help with these sometimes embarrassing tasks, making sure that seniors are safe while they’re in the shower and changing clothing. They also help to preserve dignity and comfort for seniors, while helping them look and feel their best.
Skipping Meals or Eating Unhealthy Foods
Cooking and planning meals require more energy than seniors sometimes have to spare. Home care assistance can take over these tasks for aging adults, allowing them to focus on what they need and want to do every day. Seniors eat well-balanced meals but don’t have to struggle with figuring out what to cook or actually doing the cooking.
Driving Issues
If seniors aren’t driving safely any longer or have stopped driving, that can lead to bigger problems. They might start to isolate themselves or they may stop going anywhere at all, even if other people offer them rides. Home care providers can help make sure seniors get where they need to go and do so safely.
What really matters is that family caregivers pay attention to what is happening with the seniors they love. Home care assistance offers practical help that keeps seniors safe and that respects their independence.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Agoura, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County today at (805) 301-5930.
Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County provides exceptional home care for seniors in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Agoura, West Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Topanga and surrounding areas.