When Is the Perfect Time to Discuss Senior Home Care?

Jul 29, 2022

It’s never too early to start thinking about home nursing care. The right time to discuss senior home care is as soon as you can. You don’t want to wait until your loved one needs it because it’s too late. You should also plan for what happens when your loved one needs help with everyday tasks like bathing and dressing or if they need more intensive care such as medication management. We have a few practical ways that can help the conversation.

son discussing something with his elderly father at the dinner table

Consider the Signs of Your Loved One

Before starting the conversation, check the following:

  • You notice your loved one having trouble getting around on their own. They are having difficulty walking or maintaining balance
  • More frequent falls can be dangerous for both them and those around them.
  • Having trouble remembering things or has more trouble paying attention than usual
  • Losing their ability to swallow or speak clearly
  • Having a hard time performing tasks like cooking, dressing, using the bathroom, or cleaning

Medical Condition

You can start the conversation about elderly home care if your loved one has a medical condition that limits movement or ability to live independently. Some ailments are caused by a stroke or other disability that prevents them from performing activities of daily living (ADLs) or going about their day without assistance.

Chronic Condition

Another sign is when your loved one has a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease that requires constant monitoring by medical professionals throughout the day. This process helps them stay alive and remain healthy enough to continue living independently without assistance from others around them.

Even if they have a history of dementia in their family or already have it, you should consider assisted living services.

Illness or Injury

If your elder has an accident and fractured a bone or suffers from a severe illness such as pneumonia, it might be time to discuss senior home care with them. These accidents can affect their ability to live independently and require around-the-clock monitoring and supervision.

They may need additional assistance if they have trouble getting around because of balance or mobility problems due to arthritis. These ailments may cause pain or discomfort when moving around in their home.

Changing Financial Needs

It’s essential to take note of your loved one’s changing financial needs. As people age, it becomes hard to manage their finances due to medical issues or cognitive decline (dementia). If your loved one is having trouble handling money, you must speak up about what kind of assistance you can give them. It could be paying bills on time or taking over the bank account entirely to prevent falling behind on bills.

A Decline in Driving Abilities

Some older people may struggle with driving simply because they have trouble remembering how to get from place to place. Other times, it’s a failure to focus on the road and respond quickly enough to avoid accidents. This can be problematic for older adults who live alone or in areas where traffic is heavy and dangerous.

You can recommend alternative transportation options such as taxis or rideshare services. Also, allowing an assisted living facility to care for them is an ideal choice. It helps reduce stress levels for you and your loved one knowing they have maximum safety.

Senior Home Care Conclusion

Senior home care is something that many people have to consider at some point, but it can be scary and overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily tasks of caring for the elderly, and that’s why we want to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

 

If you’re unsure where to start, contact Thoughtful Care via phone at (913) 312-9561 or the contact page to discuss how we can help.

 

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