Available Home Care Solutions
When a family member finds need for in-home assistance, an important fact to consider is that there are three types of Home Care available:
Personal Service Agency is available to assist in any non-medical home care circumstances. These services do not require the consent of the primary care physician. Employees of a personal service agency are thoroughly screened and trained for competencies required in the field. The agency also supervises and replaces caregivers to assure quality and keep the elderly person as healthy, comfortable and independent as possible in their home setting.
Medical Home Health Agency or “Home Health” is often associated with a hospital. These services assist loved ones who are home-bound with a required Doctor’s order. Home Health requires the medical skill of a Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist.
Independent Caregivers work privately and are not employed a licensed agency. While costs may appear lower initially, there are risks with this care, including a criminal background, no insurance and no back up plans. For more information, view our article on Hiring an Agency Caregiver vs. an Independent Caregiver.
How to Know When Your Aged Loved One Needs Help at Home Checklist
Review the following checklist and mark signs you identify with your aged loved one:
□ Changes in mood.
Mom / Dad seems moodier, down, blue or sad.
□ Changes in behavior and other indicators they are withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy.
Mom isn’t going to church like she used to. Dad is not going out for “coffee with the guys.”
□ Loss of appetite or weight for no apparent reason.
Mom Dad recently lost her / his spouse, so cooking for one may no longer be enjoyable or as purposeful.
□ Unkept house.
Mom's / Dad’s normally tidy house is no longer so tidy.
□ Spilt or spoiled food in fridge.
□ Stove is left on with pots and pans burning.
□ Unhealthy diets or poor nutrition.
Mom / Dad keeps only “easy” foods at home. These foods were included with previous meals.
□ Changes in personal hygiene habits.
Mom / Dad does not have clean, fresh shirts.
Clothes have stains on them or are worn repeatedly without washing.
Dress is inappropriate for season.
□ Missing appointments to doctor, hair salon or social outings that used to be routine.
□ Missing medications or not understanding reason for taking each medication.
□ Falls or other accidents.
Mom / Dad has increased bruising on arms or face.
□ Trips to the emergency room for falls or illnesses.
□ Missing bill payments.
Mom’s / Dad’s bills are unpaid, sitting with other unopened mail and piling up in the kitchen.
□ Inability to drive confidently on the road, loss of focus and skill.
□ Easily gets lost or confused.
Know When the Time is Right to Consider In-Home Care Services
If you have checked one or more of the above signs, then your aged loved one can benefit greatly by having in-home assistance and care. Most commonly, services are started at the average age of 80 years old. Spend your precious time with a loved one enjoying each other’s company and not running errands, helping with medications, bathing, cooking or cleaning. Contact our agency today, and let us work together to assist your aged loved one stay at home.
