As our senior parents age, we become more and more concerned with their health. Not just their physical health, but also their emotional health. Maybe we are seeing their memories decline, or perhaps they have recently experienced the death of a spouse and are struggling to cope on their own. Sometimes we are lucky enough to be nearby and can help with some of the issues they are experiencing and other times we are far away and need to find help that is closer. However, in both cases, it often becomes necessary to seek the help of health professionals to assist our senior loved ones as they age. If you are experiencing these issues, please continue reading for some helpful information.
Staying in the Home
Some seniors feel the best when they are able to stay in their home. They can be around their possessions, be near neighbors they have probably known for years and are in a familiar neighborhood that they can easily navigate. However, when their physical health begins to decline, staying in the home can present a problem. Although you may be able to come in and help them out with some issues, it sometimes makes sense to hire in-home help.
Betty Cernech with VNA notes the following warning signs that your loved one may need some in-home care. “If you are noticing forgetfulness, non-compliance with medications prescribed by their physician, a poor diet or inability fix a simple meal or if you’re seeing a change in their normal safety habits such as not locking the doors or turning off the oven or if your loved one has an inability to shower or bathe or has a history of falling, you may want to look into getting some help.”
“VNA provides the whole continuum of care including skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapies, social work, home health aide and IV therapy in the home,” Betty continues. “VNA also provides non-medical services for seniors or others who do not have a skilled need as the result of a hospitalization or acute illness but need some support to stay safe and well in their homes. This might include assistance with bathing, simple meal preparation, companionship, basic cleaning and dish washing, for example.”
Making doctor’s appointments may be another health issue for seniors who want to stay in their home. When illness or mobility prevents them from making an office visit to their health care provider, you, the caretaker, often wonder what you should do. Thankfully, there are companies such as Health at Home Consultants, which specialized in home-based nurse practitioner care. They make housecalls if your loved one is unable to be seen at their primary physician office for whatever reason. The visit takes place in the home setting and after the housecall is made, they can either follow up with their regular physician or with Health at Home on their situation.