How do you know if your parents need home care services? You have to trust your gut. They may argue. If you see them struggling with daily activities like housework, medications, bathing, and meals, it's time. You'll have to push them into recognizing they need a little help to continue living independently. If you're still not sure, here are some tips for deciding if it's time.
They're Letting Their Personal Appearance Slide
Has your dad stopped shaving? Is your mom's hair limp and greasy? Do you notice body odor is a problem? If your parents are letting grooming and hygiene slide, it could be time for home care services.
Start by seeing if they're not showering, grooming, and doing laundry for another reason. Is the water running? It could be they haven't paid a water bill and water got shut off. If that's the case, there's another issue to look into. If it's simply that they don't feel safe getting in and out of the shower or can't hold a brush or razor, they need help with personal care.
Items Are Getting Lost or Misplaced
Your mom can't find her purse. You look everywhere and start to wonder if it's been stolen. Your dad's car keys have vanished. You finally find them in the freezer. If items are routinely getting lost or misplaced, it's time to talk to a doctor to check for dementia. If the doctor finds cognitive skills are slipping, home care is a smart way to help them age in place.
One or Both of Your Parents Have Fallen
Your dad fell while walking down the stairs. He doesn't know what happened, but he fell and broke his ankle. Your mom was getting out of the car and fell. She's not sure why, but she broke her nose in that fall. If your parents have fallen and there's no reason for the fall, it's a good time to discuss home care services.
They Missed Appointments
Your mom made plans to take you out to lunch. She never showed up. When you call to find out what happened, she forgot that today was the day you were supposed to meet up. Your dad's doctor calls you to see if he's okay. He never showed up for his physical, and the office charges a $75 fee for no-shows. Missed appointments are a good sign that time coordination and organizing skills are slipping and that caregivers may be helpful.
Home care services are flexible and work with your parents' needs. Caregivers come as often as necessary and offer meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and more. Call a home care agency to learn more.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME CARE IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
They're Letting Their Personal Appearance Slide
Has your dad stopped shaving? Is your mom's hair limp and greasy? Do you notice body odor is a problem? If your parents are letting grooming and hygiene slide, it could be time for home care services.
Start by seeing if they're not showering, grooming, and doing laundry for another reason. Is the water running? It could be they haven't paid a water bill and water got shut off. If that's the case, there's another issue to look into. If it's simply that they don't feel safe getting in and out of the shower or can't hold a brush or razor, they need help with personal care.
Items Are Getting Lost or Misplaced
Your mom can't find her purse. You look everywhere and start to wonder if it's been stolen. Your dad's car keys have vanished. You finally find them in the freezer. If items are routinely getting lost or misplaced, it's time to talk to a doctor to check for dementia. If the doctor finds cognitive skills are slipping, home care is a smart way to help them age in place.
One or Both of Your Parents Have Fallen
Your dad fell while walking down the stairs. He doesn't know what happened, but he fell and broke his ankle. Your mom was getting out of the car and fell. She's not sure why, but she broke her nose in that fall. If your parents have fallen and there's no reason for the fall, it's a good time to discuss home care services.
They Missed Appointments
Your mom made plans to take you out to lunch. She never showed up. When you call to find out what happened, she forgot that today was the day you were supposed to meet up. Your dad's doctor calls you to see if he's okay. He never showed up for his physical, and the office charges a $75 fee for no-shows. Missed appointments are a good sign that time coordination and organizing skills are slipping and that caregivers may be helpful.
Home care services are flexible and work with your parents' needs. Caregivers come as often as necessary and offer meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and more. Call a home care agency to learn more.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME CARE IN CHICAGO, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.