Recognizing when someone you care about needs in home care is one of the most difficult things that we face as our loved ones age and become less capable in their activities of daily living. Aging is a natural part of life, but ensuring that those we care about are able to live comfortably and peacefully as they get older can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task. Because in home care services can help to alleviate many of these concerns and bring about a better quality of life for everyone involved, recognizing when someone you love needs this care is the critical first step to help them.

The following are three primary indicators that in home care is needed:

Memory and Cognitive Problems Affect Daily Living

We all forget things from time to time, and as we age these occurrences increase. However, for some elderly people who suffer from dementia such as Alzheimer's or other conditions, mental impairment can significantly reduce their quality of life. These issues can range dramatically from a temporary inability to comprehend simple concepts, to missing appointments and engagements, to major memory issues such as not remembering people and places that are intrinsic to the patient's life.

If the cognitive and memory problems you notice in your loved one affect their daily life, it might be time to seek the services of a professional in home care agency.

Physical and Mobility Issues

As our bodies begin to fail us with age, functions that we once took for granted might suddenly seem difficult or even impossible. This can include the embarrassment of incontinence or bowel issues, the pain and lack of mobility of arthritis and other joint problems, and the lack of independence caused by a physical inability to do once-simple tasks: open a pill bottle, prepare a meal, etc.

Fortunately, there are many ways that a home can be prepared to lessen or eliminate the effects of physical and mobility issues. Allowing a loved one to remain safely in their home is usually the best practice when medically and financially possible, and an in home care agency can help make sure that the environment your family member is in is one that is safe, effective and manageable.

Behavioral Issues

Of all the problems associated with aging, few are more troubling than the behavioral issues associated with dementia. Erratic behavior, outbursts, severe memory issues and the actions that result can all tend to isolate a person from family and friends. Often these types of issues are exacerbated by the stress of caring for an individual that doesn't want to be cared for, but must.

When behavioral issues such as these are present, the benefits that home health care can provide are considerable and include preparation of the home for senior care, education and other resources concerning the daily and long term care of the patient, direct care such as bathing, grooming and mobility assistance, and support for all parties involved.

Recognizing the need for home care is all about quality of life. If your loved one can no longer live as they once did and it's affecting their life in harmful ways, it's time to consider getting help. To learn more about what in home care can do for you and your family, please contact a professional in home care agency now.