The idea of bringing a professional caregiver into their homes might make seniors nervous for a variety of different reasons. But recognizing when home care assistance is needed isn’t a sign of any failure. Instead, it’s a big step toward helping seniors stay safe, remain independent, and enjoy a higher quality of life. With professional assistance, seniors can keep thriving at home while getting the support they need. So, how can families tell it’s time for more help?
Trouble with Daily Tasks
Those little daily tasks, like getting dressed, eating a healthy meal, or keeping up with household tasks, may start to become more difficult. This is especially true when seniors experience health challenges or struggle more with maintaining energy. Home care providers can offer extra support with whatever tasks are more difficult, allowing seniors to handle what they can on their own.
Increased Forgetfulness
Small instances of forgetfulness are likely normal for aging adults. But increasing episodes of forgetfulness, especially confusion around daily routines, could mean that seniors would benefit from more support and supervision. Home care assistance can help seniors to establish routines that support their cognitive changes and memory issues without causing additional stress.
Social Changes
If seniors are withdrawing from the people around them and avoiding activities they used to enjoy, this can be another sign that they might benefit from elder care services. Reduced socialization and isolation can very quickly lead to depression and other mental health challenges. While senior care providers spend time with aging adults helping them with various tasks, they also keep them company and offer social engagement.
Decreased Mobility
When seniors have trouble with mobility, including walking, using stairs, or even driving, they may tend to be more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. They can also be less likely to engage with the people they love, either because of embarrassment or pain. All of this can mean that seniors would benefit from having home care assistance.
Why Is Accepting Help a Good Thing?
Sometimes, seniors and family caregivers avoid the idea of home care assistance because of issues that don’t have anything to do with the actual help these professional caregivers offer. For seniors, needing additional help can feel like they’re giving up independence and saying they’re not capable. For family caregivers, there may be worries about not doing enough for the seniors they love. But accepting help is a positive step for everyone. Home care assistance empowers seniors to continue doing what they love while they stay safe. And family caregivers have the support they need to practice better self-care strategies.
Customizing Care Helps Even More
Home care is so incredibly flexible, which makes it even easier for families to say yes to. Families can choose options that meet the level of support that their seniors truly need, whether that’s primarily companionship or full-time assistance with every activity of daily living. Seniors can get exactly the help that they need, exactly when they need it.
Needing home care assistance isn’t bad news or something to feel bad about. It’s a proactive choice that helps families make sure that seniors have the support that they need to age in place safely and happily.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Larkspur, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
