Up to 70% of Americans over the age of 65 will need some type of long-term care in their lifetime. But it can be tricky to determine when it’s the right time to look into in-home care.
Often, there are early signs that you or your loved one need assistance in the home. By recognizing these signs, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to begin looking into geriatric care agencies
Here are some of the most common signs that you or your loved one may need assistance in the home:
- You’re experiencing difficulty with daily activities. Daily activities like eating, drinking water, going to the bathroom, bathing, and dressing are all essential to your everyday life and your health. As you age, you begin to lose mobility and balance, which can make performing these activities more and more difficult. An in-home caregiver can help make doing these daily activities that much easier so you can do the things you most enjoy.
- You’re forgetting to take medications. Your medications are crucial when it comes to maintaining your health. If you’re forgetting to take your medications periodically, it could pose a risk to your wellbeing. In-home care can help to make sure you’re consistently taking your medication at the right time.
- You’re unstable on your feet. It’s common to have balancing issues when walking as you age. But if your balancing issues are beginning to pose a problem for your health and you’re frequently experiencing slips, trips, and falls, it may be in your best interest to seek out in-home care.
- You’re experiencing confusion more frequently. Feelings of confusion, stress, or depression can make it difficult to maintain your health and wellbeing. You might find yourself skipping meals, not drinking enough water, missing medications, or staying in bed for long periods of time. Immobility can be dangerous to your health because of pressure ulcers. It might be a good idea to consider your in-home care options if feelings of confusion, stress, or depression are beginning to negatively impact your life.