Sometimes a much-anticipated holiday can turn into a sad event when a long-distance son or daughter comes home to discover that their elderly parent may need assistance with activities such as housekeeping, mobility, transportation, or personal hygiene.
The aging parent doesn’t always recognize the gradual changes that may adversely affect their well-being. Caregivers living close by may see what is happening but have their own lives and families to content with and don’t always have enough time or knowledge to access the resources they need.
Would you recognize the 5 signs that your loved one may need home health care?
- Weight Changes
- They may be experiencing weight gain or loss due to poor eating habits or the fact that they cannot physically prepare the type of healthy meals they need.
- Not adhering to special diets may cause serious consequences. In the case of diabetes, not adhering to dietary restrictions could result in brain fog, memory loss and other critical health conditions.
- Lack of Safe Mobility
- Are they having challenges walking, getting up from a seating position, or holding on to furniture to stay upright?
- Look for scuff marks on walls and floors which might have been made from an unsteady gait.
- Home Environment
- Look for signs that can cause a trip to the Emergency Room. If the refrigerator has a lot of outdated or spoiled food, this can become toxic.
- If the home is cluttered beyond a small pile of junk mail, take in the big picture and notice how many areas have clutter that could result in a fall. It could be they lack the ability to clean properly and move objects for safety reasons.
- If there are piles of unopened mail, overflowing trash that needs to be removed or a lot of dishes setting around, chances are they are unable to keep up with simple tasks.
- Personal Hygiene
- It will be obvious if they are not bathing and grooming properly but take notice of possible incontinence issues, or basic grooming habits that could be the result of
- It will be obvious if they are not bathing and grooming properly but take notice of possible incontinence issues, or basic grooming habits that could be the result of
- Mental Health
- Sleeping all day or a major change in their sleep patterns can be a sign of depression or other underlying health issues.
- Mood swings or forgetfulness
My Home Health Angels (MHHA) was established to assist anyone who may be experiencing any of the 5 signs listed above. Although the signs are generally related to seniors, these warning signs can also apply to anyone who has barriers to living a full life in the comfort of their own home.
MHHA provides assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as Dressing and Personal Hygiene, Meal Preparation, Housekeeping, Transportation, Mobility, Skilled Nursing Care, Home Monitoring, and Companionship, among other services.
Family caregivers are sometimes the sandwich generation caring for parents and their own children at the same time. MHHA may provide a level of care needed for a client to stay in their own home, relieving the family from the stress of finding care or a move to an Assisted Living or Nursing Home.
Through MHHA, clients can experience more independence, comfort, safety, and improved quality of life. It has been reported that almost 90% of Americans say they prefer to receive living assistance at home or with loved ones instead of a nursing home or senior community.
Reach out to My Home Health Angels for a FREE Home Safety Assessment. This is a “no obligation” service provided by MHHA. Our specialist will discuss assistance options and we may provide a -personalized care plan to meet the client’s specific needs.
Call us at 800-507-9322 for your FREE Home Safety Assessment or No Obligation Personalized Care Plan.
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