As your parents age, it may become more apparent that they need help doing everyday tasks. Chores and activities may be more difficult for them, and the act of moving around the house may even become dangerous. These indicators, as well as many others, may be signs that your parent needs personal care services for their safety and your peace of mind.
They Recently Had a Fall
This will not typically be the first red flag, but it can be the event that shows you that your parent needs personal care services. A fall can happen for several reasons, such as an excess of clutter in a living space or a weakening of muscles and bones. Falls can cause serious harm to older people who have less bone density, and every fall runs the risk of causing serious health complications.
With the increased risk of falls, your parents may try to move less, possibly confining them to their homes, their chairs, or their beds. Making sure they get the physical activity they need to stay healthy is essential and can be achieved by hiring an in-home health care professional.
They Make Frequent Visits To the Hospital
If your parent is going to their doctor’s office or the hospital on a regular basis, it may be time that they consider home health care services. These frequent hospital visits can be a sign of failing health from a few different causes, such as decreased mobility, the diagnosis of one or multiple illnesses, or a decline in personal hygiene.
These trips can be costly, and the constant trips to the hospital could expose your parent to unnecessary stress and sickness. An in-home health care worker will substantially reduce these trips for the betterment of your parents’ health.
They Regularly Forget To Take Medication
This can be a sign that your parent is either choosing not to take their medication or that they simply forget that they need to take it. This can be detrimental to their health, as not taking their medication will cause their illnesses to go unchecked.
Conversely, if your parents take too much of one medication, they will also cause harm to their body and risk serious health problems. Having a health care specialist in the home can guarantee that your parent takes medication and that it is administered in the proper doses.
They Have Trouble Leaving the House
Difficulty getting around the home is a sign of a decrease in mobility, and it may be the cause of multiple unsafe and unhealthy problems throughout the house. With a loss of mobility comes an increased difficulty to maintain the cleanliness of the house.
This can result in a buildup of clutter throughout walking spaces, which can serve as tripping hazards to your parents. Having someone around the home to make sure the area is safe to walk in is a necessity during your parents’ later years.
Know the signs that your parent needs personal care services and act fast to give them the best care possible.
Guardian offers professional home health care services in the Minneapolis area—contact us today to speak with a dedicated team member.