Signs That It’s Time to Consider a Home Health Aide

Likely, you have already seen some signs that the senior you care about is approaching a new part of their lives in which they will need to work with a professional to sustain their comfort and maintain their lifestyle. While the specific changes can be as varied as the seniors who experience them, you may have noticed some of these more common signs.

Struggling to maintain the physical activity, even modest physical activity, that they had been used to. Tiring quickly while standing or walking, demonstrating difficulty remaining comfortable while seated, and expressing abnormal discomfort during any activity are all signs that it may be time to discuss a partnership with a home health aide.

If you find that the senior in your life is neglecting routine care, such as bathing, toothbrushing, keeping house, or cleaning laundry, it may be time to talk about delegating some of those duties to a home health aide.

Often, a caretaker won’t even have to initiate a conversation about continuing care: seniors will frequently begin to express concerns about retaining their independence or general health. Be listening, and be caring and attentive.

Mainly, these signs can start very early and sustain for some time. Other, more concerning indications should be tended to with more urgency.

We all have medications to maintain, and those schedules can last well into our later years. Suppose you care for a senior who suddenly has trouble managing their medications. In that case, they may struggle to manage prescriptions, keep current with dosages, or adhere to the prescribed schedule – it is a sign that they would benefit from the assistance of a home health aide and that you should intervene in some manner as soon as possible.

Forgetfulness; sadness; confusion; seeming overwhelmed: These signs should be readily apparent, as you will likely know the senior you care for very well. What’s most important to consider in this case is that no matter how frustrating this can be for you as a partner, child, or caretaker, they are a great deal more intimate and frustrating for them. Be compassionate, and talk candidly about what can be done to manage how they change.

When you discuss introducing a partnership with a home health aide, you must be able to answer your loved one’s questions in an informed and positive way. There will necessarily be some anxiety about working with a home health aide: educating the senior in your life about what a home health aide is and does can mitigate that anxiety.

Home health aides provide care for seniors and others in the familiarity and comfort of their homes, sparing them the transition and upheaval of moving to a senior living center or retirement community.

They are licensed health professionals, highly trained and experienced. They work with seniors to maintain their comfort and independence and ensure that necessary daily needs are met. There is no shortage of resources for learning about home health aides. Start by finding a home healthcare agency today.