5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Home Health Aide

That doesn’t mean, however, that we won’t eventually need help with our care – and that need now extends further than it used to. In fact, according to the CDC, people who live to be 80 years old are expected, on average, to continue enjoying their lives for another eight to ten years.

Many people can rely on family members to look after them for some time, but there are circumstances where professional help is the smartest solution. Here are five signs that it’s time to hire a home health aide.

Difficulty With Medications

Many senior adults suffer from more than one chronic condition. As a result, they rely on multiple medications to remain healthy. Seniors in such a position may find it difficult to keep track of what to take and when to take them. One of the primary causes of ER visits for elderly patients is adverse interactions with medications. A home health aide can keep careful records of all doses and ensure that medicine is taken properly and on time.

Trouble With Personal Grooming

Decreased mobility causes many elderly adults to have issues with personal grooming. Bathing and dressing, while things we take for granted, bear an added dimension of difficulty when it isn’t so easy to stand up, sit down, or stretch. A home health aide is trained to support these needs.

Unable to Complete Household Tasks

Basic chores like vacuuming, cooking, or visiting the grocery store require the ability to stand and move for long periods of time. These can be difficult activities for many senior adults to manage, but are a part of the service provided by a home health aide.

Desire to Retain Independence

Per the Associated Press National Opinion Research Center (AP-NORC), 77% of those polled would prefer to receive care in their own home, rather
than senior communities (11%) and nursing homes (4%). Home healthcare is the tool that makes that goal possible.

Overwhelmed Family Caregivers

Elder care is demanding work. No matter how much you may love someone, if you have a job, kids, or other demands upon your time, the effort may simply not be possible. Home health aides lift that burden from your shoulders. They can stop by for a few hours to help get some tasks done, or they can provide day-long care. Whatever your needs are, a home health aide and, the agency they work for, will have you covered.

If any of these five signs are relatable right now, you should reach out to a local home health agency like Special Touch, who will guide you through your options. If you’re not quite there yet, remember that long-term care is something that should, ideally, be planned out in advance. Work through your options now so, when the time comes, you’re ready to move forward.