How do I know if it's time for in-home care?

Whether you are asking for yourself or a loved one, one of the toughest questions when it comes to getting older is “How do I know when it’s time for an in-home caregiver?”

We understand, it can be tough to get older and sense that you are not able to do everything independently as you once could. Deciding when it’s time to get additional support for yourself or a loved one can be a challenging task, which is why we’ve put together a guide with 5 hints that it may be time to seek additional help.

1. Trouble Getting Around - For many seniors, decreased mobility is often seen as a reason to move, especially if their home has a lot of stairs. However, for those who wish to remain in their own home as long as possible, in-home care can help alleviate some of the stress. Caregivers can help your loved one move around inside or outside, assist with personal hygiene tasks like showering and can even make running errands easier.
   
   
2. Increased Forgetfulness - If your loved one is having a hard time remembering to take their daily medication or pay their bills it may be a sign that an in-home caregiver could be a welcome addition to their daily routine. Caregivers can support seniors with these types of tasks while still living comfortably and independently in their own home.
   
   
3. Struggling with Chores and Basic Home Upkeep - As any homeowner knows, a lot of work goes into keeping a house running smoothly every day. While your family member may not be able to carry a heavy basket of laundry to the laundry room anymore, a caregiver can assist to make this aspect of their life easier. If you’re noticing an increase in the amount of clutter, dirty dishes or dust around the home it may be a sign that a caregiver could make your loved one’s life easier.
   
   
4. Feeling Lonely or Isolated - We all feel lonely sometimes, but this can be especially true for seniors who may have recently lost their lifelong partner. In addition to all the other great ways a caregiver can help, the social interaction that comes from having a caregiver visit your home on a regular basis can help improve a senior’s mood dramatically.
   
   
5. Recovering from Illness or Injury - One of the great things about in-home care is that it is fully customizable to your needs. If your loved one suffered a recent injury or illness and needs some temporary help around the home, we can help! If your situation changes down the road and you find that you no longer need the additional support, you are not obligated to continue.

Keep in mind that many caregiving options are completely customizable for your unique situation. Just because you may need additional support, that is not the same as signing yourself up for a live-in nursing home. There are many other options available for supplementary caregiving support that can help the senior in your life maintain their independence and live comfortably at home for as long as possible.

We’re here to support you through this journey. Our experienced caregivers are standing by to build a support plan that fits your needs while maintaining integrity and independence. Give us a call at 610-813-2124 to discuss your individual needs and how Comforting Home Care can help you stay at home longer.