It’s hard to know when a loved one has started to show signs of needing help with the activities of daily living. Many people don’t realize there is a problem until it becomes difficult for their loved ones to live independently. Here are the most common signs that your loved one may need home health aide services to continue living safely and comfortably.
Trouble Getting Around
One of the most common reasons for needing a home health aide is trouble getting around. A person may have lost mobility in their legs or may have some other condition that limits their ability to stand, sit, or move from one place to another. In these cases, a home health aide can help them get around, whether it’s getting from place to place in their home or hooking them up with a wheelchair lift if they need to go outside.
Urinary Tract or Bladder Issues
When someone needs assistance with bathroom tasks, you might suspect that they start to show signs of needing a home health aide. For men, a urinary tract or bladder issue may prevent them from using the bathroom without help. Females may need assistance with everything from wiping after going to the bathroom to using the toilet itself. In both cases, the situation can become dangerous if not addressed promptly and properly.
Difficulty Bathing
Bathing is something we all take for granted — until we can’t do it safely and comfortably on our own. A home health aide can ease the process by bathing your loved one. They may also assist with bathing their spouse or other family members, provided there are no physical problems that prevent them from doing so.
Difficulty with Decision Making
When a person has difficulty making decisions or becomes forgetful, you may suspect that they are starting to show signs of dementia. This is a common condition in older adults, and it’s important to have it treated as soon as possible. With professional home health aide services, your loved ones can get the help they need to stay safe and comfortable in their home.
Difficulty with Eating
If a loved one has difficulty chewing or swallowing, they may need help with eating. This can be due to several factors, such as dental problems, a stroke, or another medical condition. Home health aides can work with your loved one to create a healthy and manageable diet. They can also assist with feeding if necessary. A home health aide can help them with meals, whether it’s bringing food to their bed or chairs or setting up a feeding tube if they can no longer chew and swallow properly.
Difficulty Dressing and Grooming
Another common activity that may become difficult for a loved one is dressing and grooming themselves. This can be due to a physical limitation or simply because they no longer have the energy to do it independently. A home health aide can help them put on their clothing, including shirts, pants, or dresses. They may also assist with grooming tasks, such as brushing their teeth or styling their hair.
Difficulty Bathing a Pet
If your loved one has a pet, they may need help bathing them. The task can be challenging for someone who is not mobile, and a home health aide can do it in the comfort of their home. If your loved one has more than one pet, some services will even come to your loved one’s home and bathe all of them at once.
Difficulty with Traveling
For someone who is homebound, traveling can be challenging. A person may not feel safe or comfortable leaving their home, especially if they use a walker or wheelchair for assistance. Some services specialize in helping someone travel within their home. These agencies understand the unique needs of individuals who cannot travel on their own, and they can help make the process a little easier.
Difficulty Running Errands
When you first notice that your loved one is having trouble getting around independently, it may be difficult for you to know how long it will take for them to reach a crisis point where they can no longer live safely at home. In the meantime, you may have to run errands for them and help them with tasks they can no longer do on their own. A home health aide can take some of that burden off your shoulders so you can continue to care for your loved ones while they are still living at home.
Difficulty with Household Chores
Household chores can be challenging for a loved one who can no longer do them on their own. This may include laundry, dishes, vacuuming, or sweeping. Home health aides can help by doing these tasks for your loved one. They can also assist with grocery shopping, preparing meals, and other household tasks.
Difficulty with Communication
A person with dementia may have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings. They may also become agitated or angry more easily. Home health aides can help by communicating with your loved ones, understanding their needs, and helping to keep them calm.
Inability to Safely Manage Medications
Taking the right medication at the right time is important for your health. If you cannot manage this task on your own, a home health aide can help by organizing your medications for you. They may also remind you when it’s time for a dose or assist with administering them if you can still swallow them.
Some of the common reasons for needing a home health aide include difficulty getting around, urinary tract or bladder issues, bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and pet bathing. If you have a loved one who is starting to show signs that they may need home health aide services, it is important to act quickly. These services can help your loved one continue living safely and comfortably in their own home in many cases. If you are looking for a home health aide in Boca Raton, contact us today to learn how we can help.
