We all cherish our homes and the memories woven into the walls, so it’s perfectly understandable to maintain a strong desire for independence and to remain at home as long as possible as we age.
At some point, you or a loved one may need help with daily activities like shopping, housecleaning, or personal care like dressing and grooming.
In that case, opting for home care services to offer a helping hand is a great solution, as opposed to moving to a care home setting. The challenge is knowing when the right time to start professional home care can be a difficult decision, and that’s where this guide comes in handy.
Just starting out? Perhaps a social worker suggested that your loved one could benefit from in-home care? We’ll explore the signs that your loved one could benefit from additional support and the advantages Select Home Care Portland offers.
10 Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care
There’s a wide range of factors and warning signs that indicate the need for a professional caregiver to assist you or a loved one. In this section, we’ll discuss 10 of the most common signs it’s time for senior care assistance:
#1- Struggling with Essential Daily Tasks
One of the most important signs that your loved one might need home care is difficulty managing essential activities of daily living.
These fundamental activities allow us to live independently and care for ourselves, including eating, bathing, dressing, toilet use, and grooming.
While managing these duties might seem routine to most people, it can be a challenge to people who are aging, have chronic health conditions, and/or disabilities.
Home care providers can step in to offer assistance with these tasks to maintain a sense of normalcy and safety without compromises.
Note– Home care is different than home health care. For an in-depth look at the differences between the two, check out our article about home care vs home health care.
#2- Changes in Physical Health
As our bodies age, it’s natural to experience some decline in physical capabilities. Seniors can suffer from weakened muscles and balance issues, which can significantly increase the risk of falls and injuries.
Older adults are more likely to suffer from sensory decline, especially in hearing and vision, which makes navigation and identifying potential hazards more difficult.
Home care providers can assist with these tasks, reducing the risks of an accident significantly while enhancing you loved one’s quality of life.
#3- Decreased Mobility
Physical limitations not only increase the risk of accidents but also affect freedom of mobility.
This is because stiffness, weakness, and pain associated with physical deterioration make it much harder for people to move comfortably and independently.
Professional caregivers offer assistance with mobility, which helps your loved ones move around the house safely and ensures they can continue participating in daily activities.
#4- Forgetfulness and Missing Medications
Besides physical limitations, our loved ones can also experience changes in mental and psychological health.
Many studies show that aging can directly affect cognitive and memory functions, making individuals more likely to skip medications, forget essential appointments, and suffer from general confusion.
Having a home care provider in-house can help them avoid the problems associated with these risks and ensure that all medications are taken in a timely manner.
Research also shows that being alone for extended periods of time can increase the risks of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, especially among older adults.
Select Home Care Portland offers dementia care services for clients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.
#5- Poor Eating Habits and Nutrition
Limitations in physical and mental health may also extend to other aspects, such as nutrition. For example, the inability to buy healthy food and prepare meals can heavily impact an individual’s overall health.
Aging is also associated with changes in appetite and mental conditions that may negatively impact eating habits, which puts seniors at a great risk of complications.
One of the benefits of our home care services is that we offer transportation, assistance with grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
#6- Decline in Personal Self-care or Home Maintenance
A noticeable change in personal hygiene habits can indicate a major decline in physical or cognitive abilities. This is usually one of the clearest signs that help is necessary, as it comes with hard-to-miss changes.
These include deterioration in personal hygiene due to infrequent bathing, skipping grooming, and neglecting to change or clean clothes.
Other signs that a loved one is struggling to keep things going at home may include a messy house, an unkempt yard, and pet neglect caused by the inability to keep up with house chores.
#7- Serious Concerns About Safety
If you worry about leaving your loved one without supervision or fear that they might fall, have accidents while using appliances, or wander off, it’s a strong indicator that they need home care.
Home care providers offer peace of mind, knowing that a professional caregiver is available to ensure your loved one’s safety and soundness.
#8- Isolation and Withdrawal
Social isolation and withdrawal from favorite activities can be signs of depression, loneliness, or fear of venturing out.
Many older adults go through this phase when they notice they can’t keep up with daily activities anymore, but they’re too proud to ask for assistance.
In that case, the companionship of having a home care provider around can help.
#9- Recovering from an Injury or Treatment
Home care doesn’t have to be permanent and is sometimes highly recommended during recovery.
For instance, if your loved ones recently had surgeries or injuries or were recently hospitalized, they may have trouble keeping up with daily tasks.
In that case, you may opt for a temporary home care provider to offer relief during recovery by assisting with mobility, medication management, household chores, etc.
#10- A Fall at Home
Lastly, if you notice a loved one experiencing falls at home, it’s time to reassess their situation. Medicare will cover a home safety evaluation if it’s ordered by a physician.
This will help identify improvements and modifications that can be made around the home.
In-home care is a fall safety intervention for people at risk for falls in the home. Home caregivers will not only keep an eye on a loved one, but they can simultaneously prepare a healthy meal, clean the home, and provide much-needed conversation and stimulation for older adults who live alone.
How to Get Started with Select Home Care Portland
You most likely have additional questions. One of the most frequently asked questions when new clients call concerns home care costs. We have various pricing features depending on how much time your loved one needs a caregiver.
Many of our clients pay for care by the hour. Others may need respite care, flexible hours, or only certain days per week. We also offer overnight care and 24/7 care. Each situation is different, and our pricing depends on your needs.
We have a dedicated team to answer all your questions and set a no-cost consultation to further evaluate and answer all your questions.
After the assessment, we will provide you with a care plan that suits your requirements and pair your loved ones with professionally trained caregivers.
Lastly, if we can’t help you, we will recommend a company who can! Our priority is ensuring that older adults in the Portland Metro are getting the best home care services available.