The decision to bring in outside help to care for a loved one is emotional. Knowing where to start, how to talk to the loved one, and the type of services needed can make the transition satisfying for all.
There are few calls as disturbing as the one telling you that a loved one, whether parent, grandparent, or other close relative can no longer live alone. The call can come as a result of an accident, illness, or simply advanced age. The problem can be compounded when caregivers do not live close by or there are limited financial resources available.
It’s important to remember that just as each person is different, each care decision needs to be different. Take comfort in knowing that there are a variety of resources to help families unravel the care knot that often feels like it’s strangling you.
Understand the Actual Need
“Mom or Dad can’t live alone anymore” is a bold statement but what does it mean? The answers will help quickly direct you to the best care solutions.
Do you need a care provider for someone who is recovering from an illness or injury or someone who is succumbing to a chronic illness?
If your care needs are the result of an eminent rehab or hospital release, you may only need short term in home care assistance but a lot of it.
Sources of care information:
- Rehab/hospital staff
- Doctors
- Facility social worker
If your care needs are the result of a chronic illness you may need regular long-term in home care but only during the day or evening hours.
Sources of care information:
- Medical community
- Local council on aging/www.eldercare.gov
- Religious institutions
If your care needs are the result of a loved one who you feel is healthy but can not live alone, you may need regular long-term in home care but only for a few hours.
Sources of care information:
- Resources listed above
- Referrals from friends and relatives
- Private geriatric social service workers
What if you don’t know the extent of care needed?
Care providers use the criteria called the Six Activities of Daily Living.
Are you able to perform each of the following tasks alone?
- Eating – feeding yourself food and drink. Being able to open containers, prepare food.
- Bathing and Hygiene – shower or bathing without assistance such as turning water on and off and to the correct temperature. Getting safely in and out of the tub or shower. Brushing and flossing teeth.
- Dressing – putting appropriate clothes on properly, wearing a coat and hat when it’s cold outside, being able to use zippers, buttons, or tie shoes.
- Grooming – brushing/combing hair, wiping face after eating, washing hands after using the toilet.
- Mobility – walking, standing, sitting either with or without a cane, walker, or wheelchair/scooter
- Toileting/Continence – recognizing the signs that you need to go, being able to clean yourself and your clothing even with some slight age-related incontinence with the use of proper hygiene products.
Once you have determined how much care you think you need for your loved one, the next step is to decide where that care can be provided and how.
The good news is many seniors, even those suffering with medical issues, can stay in their homes. In home care providers are skilled professionals who can assist with the six activities of daily living. Additionally, in home care providers can assist with medication management. Seniors who can remain at home feel a sense of happiness and security and the longer they can remain independent the happier they feel.
An in home care provider is often an affordable care option for seniors and can make the transition to a future facility easier.
People Come First
Comfort Home Care aides are dementia and Alzheimer’s care certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Our highly trained and qualified caregivers, in combination with our senior management team, ensures that each one of our clients is matched up with a caregiver that your family trusts to take care of their loved one. If your loved one only needs a little help at home, or if they suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia requiring someone be with them twenty-four hours a day—Comfort Home Care is prepared and committed to caring for the ones you love.
You may also be interested in downloading our free guide:
“How Do I Pick an In-Home Care Provider?”
Click here to find out more.
