There comes a time in a person’s life when things just aren’t as manageable as they used to be. It can be hard to know when it’s time for a loved one to receive additional assistance. For some people, it may be time to move into an assisted living facility. However, this isn’t always the case, and many elderly adults still desire independent living. Home care can be an important part of a person’s life to help ensure the success of living independently. There are several elder care services that could be beneficial to elderly folks living independently such as companion care, homemaker services, home health aide services, and skilled nursing. Different services may be highly beneficial for your elderly loved one. Here are 3 signs that your loved one needs elder care: Signs Your Loved One Needs Elder Care
Recently Changed Medical Condition
A recent diagnosis or changed medical condition may necessitate in-home care services. Managing a new medical condition can be overwhelming for many, especially elderly people who have been struggling more often in daily life. A skilled nurse is a licensed, registered nurse who can visit seniors weekly (or biweekly) to provide specialized medical care. Skilled nurses also can communicate with the primary physician or other relevant medical professionals, monitoring and communicating symptoms as related to health conditions. For family members, having a trusted RN perform regular in-home visits can give peace of mind in that your loved one can live independently while getting the right care they need.
Trouble Managing Finances
If your elderly loved one is having a hard time managing their own finances, this could lead to dire circumstances that can negatively impact your loved one. Forgetting to pay monthly bills could lead to utilities being turned off and/or a lack of access to necessities. If you notice mail is piling up, this could mean that they’re having trouble managing correspondences and finances. In-home elder care can help ensure your loved one’s finances and correspondence are being maintained so they can continue living safely and independently.
A Bare Refrigerator or Pantry
Sometimes, it isn’t obvious that your loved one is struggling but would benefit from elder care services. A subtle yet important sign to take note of is the status of their refrigerator and pantry. A lack of food available can indicate that your loved one is having trouble getting meals together. Nutrition is a major aspect of ensuring your loved one is living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and having an empty pantry indicates they aren’t getting the food and hydration needed to remain healthy and well. A good service to utilize is homemaker services; homemakers can assist with meal preparation and shopping to ensure your loved one has what they need stocked and ready to go come mealtime.
If your elderly family member could benefit from elder care services in St Anthony MN, contact Pinnacle Home Care. We are your local home care agency in St Anthony MN and have a range of services available to benefit your elderly family member(s) living independently. Contact us today to learn more. Watch for Part 2 of this blog series for 3 more signs your loved one could benefit from in-home care in St Anthony MN.