Caring for a loved one can be both emotionally and physically exhausting. Often, it is hard to determine when the right time is to talk about in-home care for the elderly or disabled. This blog will provide five signs that indicate your loved one may need assistance and tips on how to approach the conversation, as well as what questions to consider when choosing an in-home care program.
1. Signs of Memory Loss or Confusion
Memory loss or confusion can be a sign that your loved one needs assistance. If they are having difficulty performing tasks that they normally could do with ease, have difficulty remembering daily events, or are displaying signs of confusion, this could be a sign that they require additional help.
2. Increased Isolation or Withdrawal
If your loved one has become increasingly isolated or withdrawn from family and friends – whether it's due to physical limitations or mental health issues – this could be a sign that they may need additional care. If they require help with transportation or need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, these activities can be provided by an in-home care attendant, so your loved one doesn't have to feel isolated any longer.
3. A Decline in Personal Hygiene
A sudden decrease in personal hygiene can be a sign that someone requires extra support. If you notice changes in their appearance, such as lack of grooming, wearing stained clothing, etc., this could indicate a need for more assistance than you alone can provide.
4. A Decline in Home Maintenance Tasks
When you visit your loved one’s home, do you notice a build-up of dust and clutter? Are tasks such as laundry or cleaning not being done? These are indicators that your loved one may need help around the house, which could be provided by an in-home care attendant who can assist them with day-to-day activities like light housekeeping and meal preparation.
5. Changes in Eating Habits
If your loved one begins skipping meals regularly or their eating habits have changed suddenly (i.e., not eating enough food), this could indicate the need for additional support. An in-home care provider would be able to ensure that meals are prepared properly and eaten on time, so your loved one gets all vital nutrients.
Talking to Your Loved One
When it comes to talking to your loved one about in-home care, it is important to be compassionate and understanding. Making the conversation feel like a team effort by acknowledging that it is necessary for everyone involved can help cushion any negative emotions or associations. It’s also important to remain factual and informative while laying out the benefits of in-home care – such as improved quality of life through companionship, medical support, comfort, and safety – to ensure that your loved one has the best possible care options available.
If possible, encourage them to be an active participant in seeking the best care options for their specific needs so they can remain independent and enjoy more enjoyable activities with greater peace of mind.
In-Home Care Programs
No matter how large or small the signs may appear, if you notice changes in your loved one’s behavior, it is critical to address them immediately. Not only do these signs suggest that extra care is needed, but discussing in-home care options early can help make the transition smoother for everyone involved when it comes time for services to begin. When looking at potential programs, make sure you ask questions about the qualifications of staff members and how services will be tailored specifically for your loved one’s needs – this way, you will have peace of mind knowing they are receiving quality care!
At Texas Visiting Nurse Service, we provide an array of in-home care programs for individuals with various needs throughout South Texas. We have over 40 years of experience serving our community through multiple offices and have the resources and expertise to match your needs with a home care attendant and services to help.
Contact our friendly team today at 1-800-242-TVNS (8867) or fill out our short online form to learn more about our services!