When Is It Time To Ask For In-Home Help?

Needing assistance is never a sign of defeat; it simply means we understand when it’s time to consider some lifestyle changes. The idea of utilizing in-home care is an adjustment, but in the journey of aging, it offers the widest range of independence for seniors. For some, it’s an easy choice, while others might find it a challenging conversation. For those who are on the fence about in-home care, there may be a couple of signs that indicate it is time to bring in assistance.

Difficulty with Daily Activities
If you notice that tasks such as buttoning up a shirt or bending down to pick something up are becoming more challenging, it may be a sign that you need extra help. Struggling with bathing, cooking, and cleaning are also strong indicators that living without assistance is holding you back from living your life to the fullest.

Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues
As mobility decreases, the risk of falls and injuries increases. More than one out of four Americans over 65+ will fall. Roughly 30% of the falls originate from trying to maintain daily life at home. Fall anxiety shouldn’t take away from the independence and joy of spending time in your own home. In-home care can provide support by setting up fall prevention tools and assisting in daily check-ins. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. There are practical lifestyle adjustments and programs through LifeCircles that can reduce the risk of falling for a safer and happier living environment.

Changes in Eating Habits
If your loved one is losing weight, skipping meals, or relying heavily on unhealthy snacks, it might be due to difficulties in preparing nutritious meals. You might even notice a repetition of meals, meaning your loved one can only maintain a certain ability level around the kitchen. In-home help allows for assistance in the kitchen and delivery of well-balanced meals so proper dietary needs can be met.

Forgetfulness and Memory Issues
Memory lapses, such as forgetting to take medication, missing appointments, or wandering off, are serious signs that your loved one may need more support. These issues are especially critical if they have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Social Isolation
If your loved one is withdrawing from social activities, friends, and family, it might indicate that they are feeling lonely or depressed. In-home caregivers can provide companionship and encourage social interactions they might have once shied away from. Additionally, in-home help can restore confidence in welcoming others into the home of someone who had previously struggled with home maintenance.

How LifeCircles Can Help

In-home care can differ for everyone. That’s why it is important to have a proactive plan tailored to your loved one’s needs. It’s important to consider their physical, emotional, and social requirements first to determine the necessary care level. Deciding to seek in-home help for an elderly loved one is never easy, but it is often a necessary step to ensure their well-being and quality of life. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive measures, you can provide your loved one with the care they need while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity.

At LifeCircles PACE, we provide a comprehensive care model designed to help seniors remain independent and safe in their homes. Our services cover a wide range of needs including medical care, personal care, transportation, meals, and more. Here’s how LifeCircles can assist:

1. Personalized Care Plans: We create tailored care plans that address the unique needs of each participant, ensuring they receive the right level of support.
2. Fall Prevention: Our Physical and Occupation Therapists implement practical adjustments and tools to reduce the risk of falls and provide ongoing support to enhance mobility and safety.
3. Medical and Personal Care: Our team of healthcare professionals and caregivers provide medical care, help with daily activities, and ensure participants are safe and comfortable at home.
4. Nutritional Support: We offer meal preparation and delivery services to ensure participants have access to nutritious meals.
5. Day Center: Our day center is a great place for socialization and engaging activities, providing a supportive environment where participants can connect with others and enjoy a variety of fun and stimulating activities.
6. Support for Caregivers: We offer resources and support for family caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one.

We’re here to make sure that seniors and their families have the support they need to live their best lives. If you or a loved one are considering extra support or in-home care, give us a call today at 616-347-3477 to see if LifeCircles could be an option.