Signs Your Parent Needs Care At Home

Sept. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- You may have a loved one that prefers to stay at home but needs help that cannot be effectively provided by family or friends.  They need a reminder to take medication or help with dressing and bathing. 

Mobility, stability and difficulty transferring may be an issue.  Diminishing personal hygiene, difficulty preparing nutritious meals or simply forgetting to pay bills can demonstrate that Home Care is needed.

Have a conversation with your parent and discuss what you've observed.  Ask how they feel about things and what they think would be a good solution.  

If they don't recognize problems offer examples to support your observations.

A caregiver will provide non-medical assistance including personal care and companionship which is ideal for those who spend the majority of their time alone and need help with home tasks.  

Caregivers provide valuable emotional support and social benefits that help decrease isolation and depression and are there to offer safety and a watchful eye on daily routine.

Services include:

• Hygiene assistance
• Dressing & grooming
• Toilet assistance
• Companionship
• Grocery shopping, meal preparation
• Diet monitoring
• Transportation & errands
• Linen change & laundry
• Light housekeeping
• Medication & appointment reminders
• Mobility & transfers
• Help with mail and bills
• Hobbies & special interest        

The psychological benefit of remaining within a familiar environment with family, friends and belongings is immeasurable.  Transitioning to assisted living or nursing options can be stressful for seniors, eroding security and freedom.  

Clients rarely receive individualized, one-on-one attention.  Many typical services like personal assistance represent additional expenditures.

A true professional caregiver feels a sense of calling to serve others.  They derive satisfaction from making the difference in the life of another.  If you don't get that sense of passion from the potential caregiver, find someone else.  Consider the assistance of a Home Care expert.

About the Author:  Debby Franklin is President of Easy Living Services, an Atlanta based Home Care agency that has been caring for seniors with Alzheimer's, Dementia and Cancer for over 20 years.  Easy Living Services offers flexible care plans designed to guarantee safety, comfort, companionship and personal attention to your loved one at home.