Home Care for an Independent Senior: Some Signs Your Loved One Might Be Ready

The need for senior home care can creep up slowly.
Image source: Flickr user Ben Garne[/caption]

elderly woman standing with walker
The need for senior home care can creep up slowly.
Image source: Flickr user Ben Garne

Thousands of seniors need home care every day in the United States, and if that time ever comes for our loved ones, we would do well to follow the example of my grandmother. When she saw an elderly friend of hers grow less independent and hire a home health aide, she made it clear to my family that’s what she wanted if she were ever in the same situation. And indeed, years later, she was.
Now, no one could deny that my grandmother was a fierce, feisty, and very independent lady. But like my family, if you see that your elderly loved one is having more trouble functioning than they used to, it’s important to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and comfort. The need for home care may not be something you notice right away, but a combination of little things that become more apparent over time.
Seniors need home care for decreased mobility
Decreased mobility affects nearly everyone as they age. When reflexes, vision, and motor skills are waning, it makes it harder to accomplish everyday tasks around the house. It especially makes activities like driving difficult. In fact, decreased mobility can make your elderly loved one fearful of driving. This may mean they put off important trips, like those to the doctor, grocery store, or pharmacy. It may also mean they avoid driving at night, or dusk, due to impaired vision at that time (this happened with my other grandmother). Professional home care services can fill in the gaps when your loved one isn’t able to get around as much as they would like.
Seniors need home care if they’re very forgetful
Many people fear that any kind of memory problem indicates the onset of Alzheimer’s, but this simply isn’t true. Alzheimer’s is a complex brain condition that involves dementia, and affects memory, cognition, mood, and more. However, there is still the distinct possibility that a senior needs home care even if relatively mild forgetfulness has set in.
You don’t have to have Alzheimer’s in order to leave the stove on, the doors unlocked, fail to refill medications, or overlook picking them up at the pharmacy. These are all potentially deadly situations that can arise out of mere forgetfulness. And they are all situations a professional home care worker can help your loved one avoid. After all, it never hurts to have another set of eyes to double-check the important things.
Seniors need home care after traumatic events
If someone has a stroke or heart attack, no matter how independent they were prior to the event, they are sure to need home care afterwards – either temporarily or permanently. Sometimes the senior regains their prior level of functioning, and sometimes not. However, almost every doctor would recommend home care following discharge from a hospital or sub-acute rehabilitation center.
Sometimes it’s hard to admit your senior needs home care – even to yourself. But by watching for the signs and taking appropriate action, you can help them live a healthier, more independent life for as long as possible.
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home senior care. Contact us to find out more.

Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

Related Posts

Questions?

Give our dedicated Client Service Specialists a call. We are ready to help.

Follow Us

In honor of #SocialWorkMonth, we're shining a spotlight on one of our exceptional social workers - Patty Myers! 

Patty has dedicated her career and volunteer efforts to support older adults and adults with disabilities in San Francisco. As the Resident Services Coordinator for Institute on Aging's Support in Independent Living program, Patty wears many hats to ensure that the 120+ residents of Martin Luther Towers Senior Housing can age in place comfortably. Her talent for connecting individuals with resources has enabled her to go above and beyond to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all. Patty's commitment to her work has been unwavering, and we are grateful to have her on our team at IOA. 

#SeniorCare #SocialWork #SupportingTheElderly #SocialWorker #SocialWork #NationalSocialWorkerMonth #Services #Coordinator #Joinourteam
Today, on #WorldSocialWorkDay, we celebrate the incredible work that IOA's #socialworkers do to support older adults and adults with disabilities. 

One of those social workers is Caina Li, whose impact on the San Francisco community far exceeds her role as a Care Manager on the IOA Case Management team. When she's not managing a caseload, Caina continues her efforts through volunteerism, specifically supporting the Richmond District Neighborhood. In the past, Caina has volunteered with the SF Marin Food Bank, Mercy Housing, and even IOA's very own Friendship Line. Thank you Caina for your ongoing commitment to IOA and for your unwavering dedication and commitment to improving the lives of those around you!
We appreciate you and all of IOA's social workers!

#SocialWork #Community #Caregivers #CareManager #CaseManagement #WomensHistoryMonth #Spotlight #TeamSpotlight #SocialWorker #CaseManager #OlderAdults #Adultswithdisabilities
As the first day of Spring arrives, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement and renewal. The Enrichment Center in the Presidio is the perfect place to celebrate the changing seasons with your loved one living with dementia. Join us and take in the beauty of Spring! 
#FirstDayofSpring #EnrichmentCenter #Presidio #NatureLovers #Dementia #DementiaCare #DementiaSupport #Caregiver #CaregiverSupport #MemorySupport
Happy St. Patrick's Day! πŸ€πŸŒˆ Today, we celebrate the Irish spirit and all things green. Whether you're enjoying a pint of Guinness, wearing your favorite green outfit, or simply spending time with loved ones, we hope this day brings you joy and good luck.  May the road rise up to meet you. SlΓ‘inte! 🍻 #StPatricksDay #LuckoftheIrish #Green #Cheers #Celebration #Ageon #GoingGreen