If you visited loved ones during the holidays and realized their care needs may be changing, you may be asking yourself, “What should I do next?”
Noticing a change in a loved one’s health or care needs is difficult to see, but there are reliable steps a caregiver can take to ensure their loved one is getting the care they need.
In-home care is a popular choice as it provides support while a loved one can still maintain independence and stay in an environment that makes them comfortable. In addition, it relieves some of the stress and worries that long-distance caregivers can feel about their loved one’s safety and well-being.
Here are some questions to consider when weighing if a loved one needs in-home care:
Q: Is your loved one having difficulty with everyday tasks?
Their home may be a little more disorganized and dusty, and dishes are starting to pile up more often. They also may not feel safe or comfortable bathing, or getting dressed may be more difficult.
The above examples may show that it is becoming more difficult for them to maintain themselves or their home, and they may need some additional care. In-home care can provide light housekeeping—anywhere from once a month to once a day— or help with basic health necessities, which allows the loved one to live in an environment that is safe, clean and healthy.
Q: Is your loved one struggling with their mental health?
If becoming disengaged, talking about feeling lonely or behaving more erratically than usual, your loved one could be having a hard time with their mental health. In-home care for mental health can look like online counseling or companionship with a home care professional. It can be tough to maintain a healthy lifestyle when struggling with mental health, but no one ever has to go through a rough patch alone.
Q: Are your loved ones making comments about trouble getting out of the house or running errands?
Struggling to travel outside the home can negatively affect your loved one’s physical and mental health. Ask someone to deliver groceries and essential goods, or if they can take a loved one to appointments, stores and so on.
Q: Is your loved one falling more, or do they seem unsteady on their feet?
It may be dangerous for a loved one to live alone if they are unsteady, as they could fall or injure themselves. In-home care provides additional support to ensure their safety. Home care professionals keep the floor clutter-free, provide strength exercises and encourage a loved one to keep moving while keeping safety the top priority.
Next Steps
As the home health industry gains popularity, in-home care may be a necessary option for caregivers to consider based on the answers to the questions above. The first step is to have a conversation with your loved one to better understand how they feel about their abilities and what they think will be best for them. Often, people don’t want to ask for help; it makes them feel like they’re losing control or independence.
With Cariloop, you can find and receive care for your loved one while navigating in-home care, including:
- Tips for broaching difficult conversations
- Researched and vetted in-home providers
- Information about what is available through your or your loved one’s insurance
- Resources to help caregivers take care of themselves
To learn more about how a Care Coach can help you or your employee base with in-home care, contact us today. Contact us today, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for trending industry news and updates.
