When Should You Start Home Care?

You should strongly consider starting home care services if any of these 5 apply to you…

#1 - Falls have started

Has mom or dad had their first fall? Are they having recurring falls?

If falls are recurring, then help is definitely needed immediately.

If the first fall has happened, strongly consider the context of the situation and if it is something that can be mitigated (like pulling up a rug), or if personal assistance is needed.

Reducing falls is not just healthier, but it can be economically wise as well. The costs of hospitals, days off from work for family members, surgeries, rehab, increased home care costs after falls, etc can really mount.

In our industry, we also see falls accelerate the finish line for folks as well, decreasing their lifespan. If extending a quality life is a top priority for you, then reducing falls must be at the top of your list.

Accepting falls is playing with fire. All it takes is one fall to have serious setbacks in health and finances. We all know a story of an elderly person who fell, went to the hospital, had surgery, then went to a nursing home, etc. No one wants that. There is incredible stress that accompanies the health setback and financial setback in that type of situation.

It is wise to take a proactive strategy to reduce serious consequences from falls at the first sign of detection. Don’t play Russian roulette hoping to avoid the fall that sets off an unfortunate series of events.

#2 - Family Members Overwhelmed

When family members become unable to emotionally, physically, or logistically take care of their loved one adequately, it is time to begin home care. In fact, one of the main purposes of home care is providing help and peace to the family members. We are always mindful of the full family picture of our clients and how best to serve them.

Have you ever seen the statistics of family caregivers that end up dying before their loved one they are caring for? It is around 50% of the time. Family caregivers with big hearts tend to overextend themselves and then pay for it in several ways: their own health might start to suffer, it can add strain on their immediate family, and their overall emotional and mental well-being might suffer as well.

It doesn’t have to be that way though. Seek help! Remember that the family caregiver’s life and well-being is just as important as their loved one they are caring for. Both lives are equally important!

#3 - Basic, Daily Needs Not Being Met

Showering, meals, house upkeep, laundry, medicine taking, hygiene, dressing, and many more daily activities need to be handled well on a daily basis. If any of these start to fall through the cracks for any reason, it is a sign that help is needed.

These are some of the duties that a home care company like ours perform on a daily basis for our clients. The great thing too is that whether you need help with just one or with all, the price is typically the same. Take advantage and allow help with all of them when the caregiver is there!

#4 - Loneliness

Loneliness is a silent killer. On the other hand, being around someone you enjoy is food for the soul. It can brighten Mom’s mood and spirit and even lengthen her life.

If you know Mom is lonely, needs more time with people, talks your head off at any chance she gets, it is probably a good sign she needs more companionship. This is not to be overlooked, but is a real human need.

The great news is that with a home care company like ours, you can fulfill this need while also getting personal care and household tasks done at the same time! Our caregivers will provide joyful companionship while meeting the daily needs during their shifts.

In fact, we purposefully do not hire caregivers that have the skills but lack the personality. High character, a great personality, and the ability to provide positive companionship is a huge part of our job.

#5 - The Desire to Stay Home (Avoid Nursing Homes or Facilities)

I have never met a person yet that says they want to move into a nursing home later in life. I’m not sure that person even exists. Practically everyone wants to age at home if possible.

If this is the posture of your loved one or even yourself as a family member, then home care is the obvious solution for that. In fact, most of our clients never go to a facility but continue under our care until they pass. It is more than possible to do that, and it will grant your loved one their wishes and best life possible.

Even as the end nears and their needs might increase, hospice can be added to the care picture to add a second layer of medical care. This allows the family to have a near nursing home level of care while remaining at home.

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As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Whether you need our services or not, we’d be honored to be a resource for elder care education for you!