When to consider home care
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When to consider home care
As people age, changes in their abilities are often gradual and subtle. That’s why it is often difficult for families and care providers to know when a loved one may need help with daily activities.
You’re never too young or old to stay on top of your health.
You’re never too young or old to stay on top of your health.
Frequently, there are certain signs that may indicate a person is having trouble caring for him- or herself. If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, it might be time to ask your doctor or your loved one’s doctor if a referral for home care services is appropriate:
- Has the person experienced any falls?
- Has the person lost weight? Is he or she experiencing a loss of appetite?
- Is the person becoming increasingly forgetful? Do new situations cause confusion and/or anxiety?
- Has there been a change in the person’s personal hygiene? Does he or she appear to be bathing less often and/or appear unkempt?
- Does it appear that the person is experiencing difficulties getting to appointments and/or running errands?
- Does the person forget to take his or her medications?
- Does the person live alone with no local family or friends? Does he or she need to be in a skilled nursing home but want to stay at home?
While these are not the only signs that may suggest a person may need help caring for him- or herself, they are a good starting point when considering home care.
“Home care is a great option for patients who are struggling with the aging process or recovering from a surgery or illness,” says Jon Younger, M.D., medical director of Swedish Visiting Nurse Services. “It is an ideal alternative for patients who are ready to leave the hospital and return home, but who still require specialized services from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist or other home-care clinician. It serves as a way for patients who cannot get to an outpatient clinic to receive the care they need.”
Home care is always provided under the supervision of a patient’s doctor, and the home-care staff can assist the doctor by being the eyes and ears in the home.
“Being in a health care facility — such as a hospital or nursing facility — is sometimes necessary and unavoidable, but the availability of home care can often shorten the stay and sometimes even prevent the patient from having to leave home at all,” says Dr. Younger.
To learn more:
- Read additional articles from the Swedish Today series.
Category: News, Senior Health, Swedish Hospital, Swedish Today
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