Handling the increasingly complicated needs of an aging loved one today can be a daunting task. Furthermore, knowing when or how to address concerns isn’t easy. This is especially so if you are busy with work and family obligations of your own and unable to devote the time they require. Alternatively, perhaps you live in another city or lack regular access to a loved one in need. There comes a point where further coverage is required. That’s when choosing a home healthcare agency may become necessary.
If you’re considering additional in-home care for someone you love, this guide to choosing a home healthcare agency will help you understand what you need to know before choosing one.
Consider the Mental & Physical Health of Your Loved One
The first thing to consider is how much and what type of help your loved one may need. There are certain signs that indicate the mental or physical ailments that might require in-home support.
This quick checklist will help determine the overall health of your loved one.
Is Your Loved One:
- becoming more forgetful?
- unable to run errands on their own?
- leaving scorch or burn marks on dish towels?
- more reclusive, engaging less in social activities?
Has Your Loved One:
- become physically/verbally abusive?
- been left with extra/not enough medication left each month?
- become negligent in terms of personal hygiene habits?
- had vision/hearing impairment that interferes with daily activities?
The truth is, if you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, it’s probably time for additional care. Once you’ve made that decision, the next step is to figure out the extent and kind of care to provide.
Most noteworthy, needing assistance doesn’t necessarily mean going to a nursing home or having round-the-clock help. In fact, research suggests that the longer seniors are able to stay active and engaged in activities, the higher their energy levels remain. As a result, seniors maintain better overall health and a better quality of life.
What Types of Assistance are Available?
There are various types of home care services a home healthcare agency can provide. From accompanying loved ones on errands to reminding about medications to more hands-on help, like bathing or medical nurse assistance, a wide range of services is possible.
It’s important to find an agency that provides consistent, high-quality, reliable care. Establishing steady, long-lasting relationships with home healthcare providers helps relieve any stress felt when leaving a family member in someone else’s hands. Additionally, the strong personal connections your loved one establishes with a caregiver can have a powerful impact on their well-being. With compassionate in-home care, seniors can remain healthy and continue to age with dignity and grace.
Establishing the care needed and finding the right agency to supply quality assistance are two important steps for ensuring there is a high level of care administered in your absence. At David York Agency, we offer a number of home healthcare services. From home health aides to RN’s and LPNs, DYA will provide the level of home healthcare your loved one needs.
David York Agency Can Help
For more information about our qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best to provide. Our aim is to provide you and your loved one with the assistance you need.
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