3 Signs Your Loved One Needs Special Home Care Assistance

Taking care of a loved one can be a fulfilling experience, but it can also be a challenging one, especially when the need for specialized care arises. You may not be able to provide this type of care on your own, which can lead to negative emotions and consequences.

For example, your loved one might fall down the stairs or take too much medication, leaving them injured or sick. With the constant care they require, you may end up feeling bitter, resentful and frustrated.

While family caregivers are essential, they can’t do their jobs alone. This is why home care assistance becomes a critical part of care for many older adults. These services allow a person to live safely in their home while receiving help with personal care needs, such as taking a shower or getting dressed.

As the caregiver, you’ll feel good knowing that your loved one can continue living independently and enjoying the life they have built, and you can free up time for your own needs. Below are three signs that your loved one is ready for home care assistance.

1. Difficulty with Daily Activities

If your loved one is facing difficulties with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing or eating, they can definitely benefit from home care help. These difficulties are likely coming from a mobility issue, cognitive issue or chronic pain, and they too are feeling frustrated with these limitations.

Specialized home care assistance won’t just help your loved one complete these activities, but also ensure they are doing them safely and effectively. For instance, a home care specialist will make sure your loved one is eating a balanced diet, using the toilet regularly and washing their hair in the shower.

2. Increasing Health Conditions

As people get older, it’s more common for them to develop conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and dementia. They may also need a surgery or procedure, or their doctor may recommend speech or occupational therapy.

With home care assistance, you can take advantage of specialized services that will meet your loved one’s needs. VNA Health Group provides specialized in-home care such as joint replacement therapy, cardiac monitoring and wound management.

Specialized home care allows your loved one to rest in a comfortable environment, speeding up healing times. And, since your loved one won’t be traveling back and forth to doctors’ offices and hospitals, you can also reduce their risk of catching other viruses and illnesses.

3. Social Isolation

Another sign that your loved one may need home care assistance is if they are lonely or isolated. Social isolation is increasingly common among older adults, and they may not know how to express this to you. Unfortunately, not addressing this issue can lead to premature death for your loved one.

While people often turn to home care services to help their loved ones deal with chronic diseases and conditions, these services can also reduce social isolation. In-home caregivers can give your relative one-on-one attention during the day, such as talking, listening to music or building a puzzle.

Companionship services are especially helpful if you have a full-time job or live far away and can’t be there every day for your loved one. You’ll at least know that someone is checking in and spending valuable time with your family member.

Learn More about Our Home Health Care Services

While there are many signs that indicate the need for home care assistance, these are three of the most common. While growing older isn’t always easy, it can be a more pleasant experience when you have the right support on your side. Contact VNA Health Group to learn more about home care services and how they can benefit your family.