Signs that Your Loved One May Need At-Home Care

Signs that Your Loved One May Need At-Home Care

When an aging loved one recovers from surgery or an injury, you expect that they will need help at home during the recovery process. But for those aging relatives who may not be recovering from surgery or an injury, it’s important to be aware of the signs that they need help.

1. If a loved one has recently lost their driver’s license or you are questioning their ability to drive safely, it’s time to consider some type of assistance. He or she will still want and need to leave the house to do errands, make appointments, and fulfill social engagements. Losing the ability to drive feels like losing freedom. Caregivers can provide a safe transportation alternative.
2. If medical concerns such as Parkinson’s or arthritis are creating mobility issues, it may be hard for your loved one to maintain stability or strength while moving from place to place. If this is a concern, it’s time to make home modifications so that your loved one is safe at home. It may also be the time to consider in-home care to reduce the risk of a fall.
3. If you have noticed memory loss with your loved one, especially short-term memory loss, it’s time to consult with his or her physician about the symptoms. In addition, it’s time to review how your loved one is remembering to take medications and use proper hygiene.
4. Medication mix-ups can be dangerous. If your loved one is not able to manage their own medications, either due to memory or mobility issues, it’s time to make a change. Daily visits from a loved one, friend, or a home healthcare assistant can be a critical step to ensuring your loved one taking the correct doses of medication.
5. How many times has your loved one been in the ER in the last 3 months? If that number is greater than one, it’s time to evaluate why — and what changes may need to be made. The next question to ask is whether your loved one would be better off with in-home assistance. In many cases, at-home health care assistance can reduce the need for frequent ER visits and can help your loved one live more comfortably.

Whether your loved one is struggling with insomnia, chronic illness, limited mobility, or memory issues, a friendly, helping hand can often make a difference. A professional caregiver can manage medications, assist with mobility issues, help with personal care, provide safe transportation to appointments or to refill prescriptions, and help reduce the risk of falls. If you have questions about an aging family member, contact us at 561-736-1422, toll-free: 855-730-9895, or visit www.expicare.com.

Expicare Nursing, Inc.

Owned and managed by highly qualified Registered Nurses, Expicare is a recognized leader of home health care in South Florida. For over three decades, Expicare has provided unparalleled home health care to thousands of patients throughout Palm Beach County. From post-surgery assistance to compassionate care for patients and families struggling with Alzheimer’s, Expicare provides highly skilled nurses and nursing assistants to care for your parents or loved ones. For more information, contact 561-736-1422, toll-free: 855-730-9895, or visit www.expicare.com.