When Is it Time for a Home Care Provider?
Knowing for sure when it’s time for home care services seems more difficult on the surface than it has to be. Ultimately, your biggest concerns are for your senior’s safety and for your own ability to continue to be the best caregiver that you can be.
Your Senior’s Health Is Gradually Declining.
Aging can take a toll on your senior’s health, but sometimes it’s her health that is the issue. Some illnesses, like COPD, are progressive and are ultimately going to be a much bigger problem for her. For a while, you may be able to handle her needs together, but that may not last as long as you expect. Home care providers can help you to deal with the increasing demands of your elderly family member’s health issues.
You’re Feeling as if You’re Unable to Balance Life and Caregiving.
When your life as a caregiver and the rest of your life are out of balance, both are affected. Even though you’re a caregiver, you need to have your own experiences outside of caregiving or you’re going to experience some negative feelings about the situation. Elder care providers can take over your caregiving duties so that you can freely focus on what you need to do for yourself.
You’re in Pain or Experiencing Exhaustion.
Just like aging and declining health takes a toll on your senior, her situation can take a physical toll on you. Your senior may have health issues that wake you up at all hours of the night, giving you broken and fitful sleep. If she needs mobility help, you may be using techniques that don’t protect your own body as much as you should be. Home care providers can show you how to manage all of these issues in a better way.
Safety Might Be the Biggest Indicator of All.
Even if none of these other situations are a concern for you and your elderly family member right now, safety is the biggest concern. Mobility concerns, trouble with memory, and risk of hospitalization can all be issues for your senior and these directly affect her safety. Having home care providers on hand can be a really simple way to get a handle on general safety for your senior.
Ideally, you should develop a working relationship with home care providers as early in the caregiving process as you possibly can. That allows you to have a framework in place to keep you in balance and to gradually prepare for your senior’s declining health.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Jenison, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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