When is the time right?

Home Care Benefits in Fort Myers, Florida

By its nature, the aging process eventually brings about physical and cognitive changes that can interfere with an engaged, independent lifestyle. If you are noticing changes that concern you, we recommend that they be seen by their physician. Here are a few signs to consider:

  • Changes in your loved one’s recall
  • Repetitive use of words or statements
  • Need for incontinence support
  • Help with bathing, dressing or medication management
  • Difficulty finding words
  • Walking into a room and forgetting why they are there
  • Misplacing items (like keys in the freezer or microwave)
  • Weight loss
  • Decline in personal hygiene or grooming
  • Inability to plan or prepare meals
  • Frequent falls

Broaching the Home Care Topic With Seniors

If you’re seeing signs that your family member is needing support, the time to start talking about hiring non-medical home care services and/or home health care is sooner rather than later. But elder care can be a delicate topic that many seniors wish to avoid. So, how do you bring up sensitive subjects related to aging? With appreciation to Aging.com, we share some tips and conversation starters that might help you overcome the awkwardness.

 

  1. Discuss what you’ve seen and ask your loved one what they think is going on. If they acknowledge the situation, ask what you can do to help. If your senior does not recognize the problem, share a few concrete examples.
  2. Instead of focusing on how your loved one needs the extra help at home, emphasize how home care would actually be beneficial for you, too. Focus on the shared advantages of having an “extra pair of hands” available on a regular basis.
  3. Be respectful! You’ll be talking with an adult, not a child. Put yourself in their shoes and consider how you’d want to be addressed.
  4. Sometimes it helps to enlist the help of a trusted doctor. A physician who shares your concerns might be a powerful advocate in getting your senior to accept help at home as a crucial part of safely aging in place.