When to Consider In-Home Care for Parents
One of the most frequently asked questions we have received is “Hello. I’m wondering if my parents are good candidates for in-home care?” or a question that is very similar in nature. As a result, we have decided to present you 5 warning signs or “red flags” that will help steer you in the right direction.
5 Common Warning Signs or “Red Flags”
1. ADLs Are Too Difficult.
Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs for short, are a fact of life. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, getting the mail, etc. are all routine activities that we all perform on a daily basis. When your parents start complaining of the difficulty of even the most basic tasks, then in-home care is highly recommended.
2. No Companionship.
If you notice your loved ones have not been scheduling outings with friends in their social circle, or they tell you “they just don’t feel like it anymore”, then they may be experiencing depression. Depression for aging parents can be catastrophic and we would highly recommend in-home care at this point.
3. One Too Many Accidents.
If your loved ones have reported trips, falls, and other close calls that put them at risk of a traumatic event, then we strongly recommend you seek out in-home care as their motor ability is in decline.
4. When Minor Illnesses Are Not So Minor.
If you notice your loved one struggling to fight off common colds & other illnesses that are not life threatening, then it may be time to consider in-home care as a preventative measure. You need to ask yourself, “If I’m not around, will my loved one be able to check themselves into a hospital if needed?”. The answer to this question will help you determine in-home care.
5. Consistently Stressed Out.
If you notice your loved ones are consistently stressed out, this could be a telltale sign of something larger. Stress alone could cause serious injury to the body and as we age our bodies may not handle stress as well as we used to. In-home care could significantly reduce stress by helping your loved ones with tasks that bother them.
Get Started with a FREE In-Home Assessment!
One of the best ways to help you determine whether or not in-home care is needed for your loved one is to take advantage of our FREE, no obligation in-home assessment. This is also a great way to find out what costs may be involved, even if you are not considering in-home care at this time.