For those aged 65+, independence is often the key to enjoying a higher quality of life. But as the average person ages, their body undergoes physical, emotional, and mental changes that make aging in place more challenging. At some point, most seniors require at least some outside assistance to remain independent. Many turn to professional home care caregivers when that time comes to address their needs. If you’re not sure when to start home care, answering the following questions should make your decision a more rewarding one.
Older Adults Face these Challenges
No matter how hard you try, age-related changes are inevitable. Seniors typically face these health and wellness challenges:
- Changes to hearing and eyesight
- Decreased flexibility, agility, and mobility
- Weakened immune system
- Social isolation
- Malnutrition
- Less physical and mental endurance
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis
Once you are no longer performing one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be time to consider senior home care.
How to Know for Sure
Many aging-in-place seniors are hesitant to hire a professional caregiver for reasons like pride, dignity, and denial. Don’t make that same mistake. Instead, answer these ten questions honestly to determine if bringing onboard a “personal assistant” is right for you:
Am I having trouble driving?
Most seniors equate independence with a driver’s license. However, if your senses aren’t as sharp as they used to be, operating a motor vehicle isn’t safe for you or other motorists. A professional caregiver can transport you where you need to be, whether it’s the grocery, shopping mall, or doctor’s office.
Is my nutrition suffering?
Malnutrition is common in the elderly population. If your cupboards and fridge are bare or your appearance is gaunt and frail, an in-home caregiver can help you food shop and prepare nutritious meals.
Has my housekeeping become lax?
No longer being able to keep your house neat and tidy may indicate that you need outside assistance. Professional caregivers can tackle light housekeeping chores like laundry, dishwashing, vacuuming, dusting, and more so you don’t have to.
Is personal hygiene a problem?
Once you start having trouble bathing, grooming, or dressing, an in-home assistant can ensure that you look your best before venturing out in public.
Are my plants and pets suffering?
Taking care of plants and pets is a big responsibility, one that you may no longer be able to do on your own. Once this happens, it might be time to investigate your senior home care options.
Am I falling a lot?
The home can be a dangerous place for elders with mobility issues. When cuts, scrapes, and bruises are your constant companions, it’s probably a sign that you could benefit from having a trained professional inside the home.
Is my social network dwindling?
Countless seniors battle loneliness and depression due to social isolation. If your social network has seen better days, spending a few hours each week socializing with a personal companion could do wonders for your self-esteem.
What are others saying?
If friends, family members, and neighbors have been sharing their concerns about your changing health or appearance, it may be time to hire someone who can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Are people taking advantage of me?
Financial fraudsters love to prey on the elderly, including their family members. Having a personal assistant around can help protect you from financial schemes that threaten your retirement nest egg.
Do I forget important things?
Although memory loss is a normal part of aging, forgetfulness could also be an early warning sign for dementia. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, a professional caregiver can help you remain safely and comfortably in your own home.
Your Trusted Senior Home Care Source for When It’s Time
When you or your loved one need assistance, contact us. We are a fully licensed and insured home care provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing that your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform duties like light housekeeping, personal care, dementia care, companionship care, medication reminders, and even live-in and 24-hour care.
Our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit us online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.
