When to Start Looking for Senior Care

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than 8,357,100 people receive long-term care in some form. But while there are numerous choices when it comes to caring for your loved one, how do you know when the time is right?

The team at Qualicare understands the difficulty that can come with knowing when to ask for help. That’s why we’d like to share some signs that it may be time.

What to Watch For

Deciding that the time has come to start looking for help in caring for a loved one is never easy. However, if your loved one is exhibiting any of the signs below, he or she might be in need of more help at home than you can comfortably provide.

For instance, if your loved one is beginning to grow aggressive on a daily basis due to frustration or a medical condition like Alzheimer’s disease, you will likely need additional help to manage both the condition and its effects. Other shifts in mental health, including changing moods or emotions, are also signals more care is needed.

The same goes for signs of worsening cognitive health. Does your loved one suddenly seem more forgetful? Or have confusion or a lack of understanding related to normal, everyday tasks?

Has your loved one’s physical health recently worsened? If he or she is suddenly having more difficulties with mobility or balance—or even navigating around the home—it may be time to look into extra care.

It’s important to consider whether your loved one remains safe in the home environment. Would you feel comfortable leaving him or her home alone for any length of time? You can’t do everything by yourself 24/7—so you may need a helping hand if your loved one isn’t safe in the home alone.

When it’s time to find extra help for your aging loved one, it’s important to remember that you have options. It’s no longer always necessary for older adults to move into nursing homes as they age.

By having a Qualicare team member helping you with your loved one, he or she is able to stay within the comfort of his or her own home. This can help your loved one enjoy the benefits of remaining independent and in the home environment, while also ensuring he or she gets the necessary care and help.

Is now the time to start talking about home health care? Visit the Qualicare website today to learn how our team can help you better care for your loved one right in the comfort of home.