Signs That Say You Need Help To Keep Living Independently At Home
More elderly Americans are embracing help at home, so they can live independently and get on with life on their own terms.
It is normal to occasionally feel overwhelmed by chores like grocery shopping, traveling to and from appointments, and cleaning. But when they become a bit too hard to manage on your own, it might be time to think about home care to ensure you keep on top of things and look after yourself.
If you’re reading this, you may be wondering whether you need in-home care and how it all works. It is important to decide what is right for you and to talk about it with your loved ones, as many older Americans don’t discuss their wishes for care with their families in advance.
In fact, a recent study of older Americans found that…
46% haven’t discussed their wishes for future care with anyone
75% haven’t taken steps to make sure they get their preferred method of future care
42% haven’t looked into how they can remain in their own home
So even if you aren’t quite ready for in-home care yet, knowing how it works and being clear about what you want will ensure you can obtain your preferred method of care in the future.
In this post we explain the common signs that indicate you require help to keep living independently at home and how home care can be organized.
Signs that home care is the right choice for you
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
You are…
Often too tired to cook your favorite meals
Increasingly worried about having a fall
Unable to drive yourself safely to appointments and social outings
Forgetting to take medication or to pay bills on time
Neglecting chores around the home because you’re worried about hurting yourself
Fatigued by daily tasks like walking to the mailbox, taking out the bin and hanging the washing
Misplacing things like your keys
Missing appointments or social commitments
Eager to have regular companionship in your home
Unable to care for yourself as well as your spouse
Wishing you could get out and about more often
If you relate to any of these scenarios, it is important not to be too hard on yourself.
It is common to experience situations like these as you get older. It is also normal to feel as though asking for help is a burden or loss of independence, but it’s actually quite the opposite.
Having someone to drive you places, for example, will give you the freedom to get out of the house. By having assistance with difficult chores, you reduce the risk of injuring yourself, which means you stay healthier and able to live at home for longer.
How senior home care services work
The type of in-home care you receive depends upon your circumstances. You can choose to have hourly or live-in home care service.
There are levels of care that range from basic to high-level care. You will have the freedom to choose your caregiver, the type of services you receive, and the days and times when you receive help.
Things you can get help with include:
Shopping and meal preparation
Medication reminders
Transport
Housekeeping and laundry
Bathing and dressing
Companionship
We will match you with a suitable Caregiver who you could also meet before your first service. When looking for a care provider, it is important that you understand the support and assistance that is available to you and find a caregiver who can not only meet your needs but also get along with you.
Learn more about how to receive private care by calling Individual Health Care Agency at 747-215-9746. Our team will explain the entire process in a way that is easy to understand, so you feel confident to make decisions for yourself and know what to expect.
If you require assistance urgently, please call us we are here to help.