Our loved ones can seem eternal – unaffected by the passage of time, except for the appearance of new wrinkles and the graying of their hair. However, the passage of time, lack of exercise, poor diet and other health problems can all compound to reduce your aging loved one’s quality of life to the point that they need help with their daily living activities. How can you tell if it’s time for home health care for your loved one?
Changes in Personal Appearance
One of the clearest signs that your elder needs some help at home is a change in their personal appearance. They may forget to shave regularly, or it is apparent that they are not bathing as often as they should. Their clothes, once scrupulously cleaned and ironed, may now be stained and wrinkled. These are all signs that your loved one needs help around the home. It may be something as simple as someone to come in periodically and help with laundry, or it could be a medical or mental health-related concern, such as depression or even the early stages of a dementia-related condition like Alzheimer’s disease.
Changes in Home Condition
Another sign that your loved one could benefit from home health care is a change in the condition of their home. Perhaps they have unopened mail piling up. Maybe the kitchen is being overtaken by weeks of dirty dishes or their laundry is piling up. These are indications that your loved one is not being able to successfully handle their daily living activities and responsibilities, but it might be related to their physical condition, or it could be a medical or mental health condition. All of these benefit from the care provided by a licensed, compassionate in-home nurse.
These are just a few of the signs that your loved one might be struggling more than you realize. They might not be ready for an adult day care facility, or for an assisted living facility or retirement home, but they are no longer capable of handling everything they once did. The compassionate choice is to help by contracting with a home health care provider that can offer everything from personal care and meal preparation to skilled nursing care.
At Capital City Nurses, we have a long history of providing our patients with caring help. Contact us today at 866-807-7307 to learn more about our home health care services and how we can improve your loved one’s quality of life. Capital City Nurses is the premier home care agency in Bethesda, MD and the surrounding areas.
