When Should You Hire In-Home Help or Home Health Aides?

Is your parent or elderly family member determined to age gracefully at home, but you’re worried it might not be the best idea? You’re not alone. Many families face this difficult dilemma as they watch their loved ones age. The good news is that it just may be possible to help your family member stay in their home. An in-home caregiver or home health aide can provide the support your loved one needs to remain safe and comfortable while giving you peace of mind.

Now that you know it is possible to support your loved one’s desire to age at home, you may be wondering exactly when it’s time to hire in-home help. This guide will help you recognize when to consider extra support for your loved one.

Decline in Personal Hygiene

One of the first noticeable signs that it’s time to hire an in-home caregiver is a decline in your loved one’s personal hygiene. If they’ve stopped bathing regularly, wearing clean clothes, or maintaining their grooming habits, they may need assistance. After all, these changes often occur because basic self-care tasks have become too challenging.

Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks

Has your loved one started struggling with household chores, cooking, or running errands? These tasks often fall by the wayside as people age because they can feel like giant mountains that need to be climbed. An in-home caregiver can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping to ensure your loved one’s needs are met.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition

If your loved one is losing weight or their pantry and refrigerator are consistently bare, it might be time to hire a caregiver. These changes could mean they’re forgetting to eat, unable to prepare meals, or having trouble grocery shopping. A personal care aide can ensure they receive proper nutrition by preparing balanced meals and encouraging healthy eating habits.

Increased Forgetfulness or Confusion

Forgetting appointments, frequently misplacing items, or showing signs of confusion could indicate cognitive decline and may even be early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Conditions affecting the mind often require specialized care. A home health aide can provide reminders for medications, appointments, and daily routines to keep your loved one on track. They can also help manage behavioral changes and keep your loved one engaged in stimulating activities.

Frequent Accidents or Safety Concerns

When physical safety becomes a recurring worry, you should consider it time to hire in-home help. Watch for signs of falls or near-falls, difficulty climbing stairs, and injuries caused by daily activities. Burns from cooking, wandering behavior, and confusion with medication management are particularly concerning and highly suggest the need for assistance.

Hiring an in-home caregiver provides peace of mind, as they can monitor your loved one’s environment, prevent accidents, and address safety concerns.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Disrupted sleep patterns can indicate the need for assistance. If your loved one is experiencing sundowning (increased confusion or agitation in the evening), wandering at night, or mixing up day and night, having a caregiver present can ensure safety and proper rest.

Loneliness and Isolation

Has your loved one become socially withdrawn? Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression and a decline in physical health, so make sure your family member is able to connect with others on a regular basis. A caregiver can provide companionship and encourage social engagement.

Chronic Health Issues

Complex medical conditions often require consistent monitoring and care. If your loved one has chronic health issues, has had recent hospitalizations, or needs help with wound care, medication adjustments, or medical equipment, a home health aide can provide necessary support and early detection of potential complications.

Signs of Family Caregiver Burnout

When family members providing care begin experiencing burnout, it's time to consider professional help. Signs of caregiver burnout include physical exhaustion, emotional depletion, anxiety, depression, and neglect of their own health and responsibilities. Investing in caregiver or home health care services can allow family members to focus on quality time with their loved ones rather than just their caregiving tasks.

Seek Help Today From We C.A.R.E. Home Health Agency

Deciding it’s time to hire an in-home caregiver or invest in home health services isn’t easy, but it’s a step taken out of love and concern. Remember, providing your loved one with the support they need doesn’t mean you’re neglecting them — it means you’re ensuring their health, safety, and happiness. 

If you believe it’s time to hire a home health aide or caregiver, don’t wait. The earlier you bring in support, the more you can prevent potential risks and improve your loved one’s quality of life. Reach out to We C.A.R.E. Home Health Agency today to learn more about our caregiving and skilled nursing services in Bristol, PA, and the surrounding areas.