There are several occasions where families of aging-loved ones may ask themselves: When is it time to consider home care? Under most circumstances a substantial event, known as a “trigger event”, occurs. Situations like these lead to families feeling concerned and they begin to look for solutions.

Here is a list of signs or “trigger events” that are indicators that assistance may be needed:

  • Reduced mobility
  • Falls
  • Loss of driver’s license, restricting their freedom to get around
  • Hospital stay resulting in a need for assistance in home recovery
  • Reduced attention to personal care or to the upkeep of their home
  • A decreased attention to home and food safety (using foods beyond expiry dates, etc.)
  • Weight loss, not eating well
  • Missing or not taking medications on time
  • Forgetting to pay bills
  • Depression, avoiding social events or contact with others

Once families begin to notice these signs and/or the many others that may occur with an aging loved one, there are a number of options that might come to mind. Can we take care of our loved-ones within the family? Should we pursue professional help? Institutional care or home care?

As these questions arise the client may be concerned about the potential burden they may have become on those family members and friends who spend considerable time to ensure their well-being and safety. However, clients are also concerned that in opting to going into a nursing home they will lose their social status, individualism, freedom, dignity and independence. Institutional care is popular but often presents a list of concerns for the senior.

For those who care for their loved ones themselves, there can be the challenge of balancing a full-time schedule with caregiving responsibilities. Family caregivers make sacrifices for their loved one’s well being, concerned for their safety, health and socialization. It’s common that the demands of this role result in stress and caregiver burnouts. In these cases, respite care, a sub-service of home care, can be a huge reliever for the family caregiver in a time that they need to reset. Those few hours of personal time from which they can benefit while a home care service provides aid, can allow the family caregiver to rest, reset and recharge. This can help any exhausted feelings of stress, frustration and resentment towards the aged family member to reside and for a natural flow of communication to remain open. Home care services can assist families in this capacity from a few hours up to a part-time role.

Alternatively, home care is also a great middle ground for seniors looking to live autonomously in their homes, while getting the help that they need. From having companionship to receiving assistance in the home, running errands and personal care – seniors and their families are benefiting from the reliability and support that home care offers.

Choosing a solution is always  personal and dependent on the senior’s needs, however home care has acted as great middle ground between giving seniors a helping hand and giving families peace of mind.

For more information on when it’s time to consider home care and how to get started, contact Graceful Living Home Care Services. www.gracefulliving.ca  or call: 514-684-4258