Are you nervous about a senior loved one being home alone? 

Prevention goes a long way in helping seniors live out their golden years from the comfort of home. Family caregivers or adult children can help aging loved ones by taking steps the ensure the house is free from fall risks, doctor’s appointments are maintained, and signs of decline are not missed.

How to ensure your senior loved one stays safe at home:

  1. Perform a home safety check to prevent falls
  2. Keep up with regular doctor’s visits
  3. Talk with a doctor about when it’s time to stop driving
  4. Add adaptive gear to the home to make daily tasks easier. 
  5. Use a medication management system to prevent dangerous mixups
  6. Have open and honest dialogues with your loved ones about their needs
  7. Consider a medical alert system in the event your loved one falls or has an emergency
  8. Ask for help before conditions are severe
  9. Be honest with yourself and your loved one about the care that is needed
  10. Keep an eye out for warning signs that additional care might be necessary

Signs your loved one needs personal care:

  1. Spoiled food that doesn’t get thrown away
  2. Missing important appointments
  3. Difficulty getting up from a seated position
  4. Unexplained bruising
  5. Unpleasant body odor
  6. Infrequent showering or bathing
  7. A Strong smell of urine in the house
  8. Noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care
  9. Poor diet or weight loss
  10. Noticeable decline in the tidiness of home

If you notice multiple signs that a loved one needs help, it’s time to think about home health care. Home health adapts to patient needs allowing families to start with light assistance and add services as needs grow. Most importantly, home health care will enable seniors to remain in their home while relieving family members of the burden of care. 

 

 

Choosing long-term care is a burden that often falls to adult children and family caregivers. Our team is here to support you throughout the journey. Download our booklet to explore options that are right for your aging loved one and family. Download the booklet here.