As we age, our bodies change. We lose agility and strength. We lose our sense of balance. We lost stamina. It can be difficult to watch a loved one going through this, slowly losing their independence and ability to do for themselves. A home health care service can help, but how do you know when your loved one is ready for a helping hand around the house?
Changes to House Care
One of the first signs that your loved one might be ready for a little help is if there are changes to the way they maintain their home. You might notice that dishes are piling up in the sink and on the counter. You might see that they are not taking out the garbage regularly, or that a once spic-and-span home has not been swept or vacuumed recently.
Changes to Appearance and Grooming
Another good sign that your loved one is in need of compassionate help in the home is an increase in changes to their appearance and a lack of grooming. They might wear the same clothing repeatedly, or you might notice mounds of unwashed laundry. They might let themselves go as far as personal grooming is concerned.
Forgetting Medications
Yet another sign that your loved one is not as independent as they once were is consistently missed medication doses. Everyone misses a dose of medication from time to time, but if your loved one is consistently missing doses (or taking too much medication), it’s a sign they need help.
Forgetful
A little bit of forgetfulness is completely natural. It’s part of the aging process. However, if your loved one is becoming very forgetful, and cannot remember things like doctor’s appointments, or recent conversations, it could be a sign of reduced cognitive abilities due to dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease.
Your Choice Matters
Once you come to the realization that your loved one needs help in the home, and that they are not as independent as they once were, you need to choose an in-home care provider. This can be quite the process, and it is not something you should rush into. Make sure that the company you choose offers compassionate care, and can provide both home health care service, and companionship services.
If your loved one is struggling with daily living activities, we invite you to get in touch with us at European Best Care. Call us at 630-202-2421.