Hiring a Home Care Service

As our loved ones get older, it can be challenging to note the time when it is best to hire a home care service. Care management is an area that can be difficult to discuss with family or a loved one, so you may want to consider advance care planning in this area.

What Is a Home Care Service?

Much as the name suggests, a home care service is care that allows someone to remain in their home with supportive services. This is especially appealing to older adults who want to grow old in a place that offers them comfort, privacy, and sentimentality.

The services offered by home care are wide-reaching and can include:

• personal care: help with bathing or getting dressed

• cooking or meal delivery

• house maintenance: cleaning, laundry, or yard work

• health care: filling pillbox or safe assistance transferring or ambulating

• money management: helping to pay bills on time and fill out forms

As you can see, home care services can be multifocal for the needs of a homebound or home limited adult faced with the challenges of activities of daily living.

When Should You Hire a Home Care Service?

Listed below are some situations that suggest the need for more assistance around the house.

An Increase in Care Needs

If your loved one demonstrates an increase in care needs, it may be beneficial to consider a home care service. Some physical signs to watch for include changes in physical appearances and household cleanliness. Other things to look for include the amount of food available in the house and unintentional weight loss, as these may be signs that they are not eating enough or are not eating enough healthy food.

New or Worsening Health Issues

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a health condition or a health condition they already had is worsening, they may benefit from home care. If you are their caregiver, home care services may also be beneficial if their health needs have reached a point that you can no longer help with on your own.

Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress is something that all too many people who care for a loved one experience. Many causes and factors can contribute to caregiver stress, including the high workload, feelings of inadequacy, and lack of time away from caregiving. If you feel the effects of caregiver stress, getting help with tasks is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones to ensure that they get the best care.

What To Consider When Hiring a Home Care Service

Home care is one area where it is crucial to choose the best fit for your loved one. One thing that you will want to consider is the care that your loved one needs. Some may only need health care, while other individuals benefit from all areas of home care.

You will also want to ensure that the person providing home care gets along with your loved one and yourself if you are a caregiver. You all will likely be spending a lot of time together, so it is important that there is a good relationship to encourage trust and pleasant interactions.

Long Life Care Management can coordinate home care services as well as provide caregivers with educational and emotional support along the way. Reach out to us at (404) 310-3567 to learn more about how home care services can benefit you and your loved one.