ELDER CARE AND YOU – “GOOD-TO-KNOW BASICS” FROM VISITING ANGELS

Ten Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Care Assistance (Part I)

You never know when the reality will hit.  As we spend time with loved ones over holidays, summers, and even on a daily basis, we begin to notice a change in their physical or mental capacity. Was it only a few months ago that Grandma abruptly stopped making her signature apple pie? When did Dad start being so careless about his physical appearance?  What does it mean that Mom constantly loses her keys and locks herself out of the house? 

Life as we knew it, is no longer “as usual.”  We start to more closely observe their behavior, and to worry about the impact on the immediate family. Taking that first step, considering whether a loved one needs homecare, and making what will most likely be a life-changing decision is no easy task. It can be mentally taxing and emotionally draining. 

 To best make an educated decision, a wide range of factors should be taken into account. While some of the following warning signs might be common sense, considering and weighing the impact of each one is an important step towards choosing the most intelligent option in a difficult decision making process.

Homecare should be considered when your loved one :   

 1. Poses a threat to his/her own well-being.  Seek immediate care options.

2. Is unable to undertake his/her usual daily routine, including following a recent hospital discharge

3. Cannot complete daily activities due to any kind of physical limitation.

4. Regardless of age, is undergoing rehabilitation.

5. Experiences memory lapses that impede daily functions and can put him/her in danger.

6. Is having trouble preparing his/her own meals.

7. Cannot maintain his/her lifestyle independently and safely.

8. Cannot make it through the night unattended.

9. Over burdens  your personal schedule. Full time care is most likely needed here.  

10. Has completely exhausted your own caregiving efforts, it might be time to seek a professional caregiver.

Once you’ve taken these warning signs into consideration, the next step can be even more difficult. Approaching a loved one about the possibility of homecare is a touchy subject. It’s an emotional time that forces the elderly to confront their own age-related shortcomings.  Sensitivity, respect, compassion and a positive approach are paramount when broaching the subject.  Assuming that their mental capabilities are up to the task, your loved ones must feel that their opinions are being considered. 

Visiting Angels is a private duty network of non-medical, homecare agencies with more than 450 locations nationwide, including nine offices located in and serving Connecticut. Tom Dolan is the President/Owner of Visiting Angels, Brookfield, CT serving North Fairfield, North New Haven, and all of Litchfield Counties. For more information about all Visiting Angels services, visit www.VisitingAngels.com. To speak with your local office, please contact Tom Dolan directly at 203-740-0230. 

Part II of Ten Signs Your Loved One Needs Homecare Assistance will tackle the ticklish subject of discussing the homecare option.