It is not always easy to spot a decline in health in yourself or a loved one. A sudden decline in health due to an accident or injury is an obvious indicator of need for home care assistance, but a gradual change makes this realization more difficult. Developing symptoms slowly over time allows the person afflicted to believe they have a handle on their health and don’t require outside help. For instance, if you or a loved one once walked fine and gradually began to stoop, move slowly, or grab onto things for balance, you may view this as no need for alarm because the symptoms are minor. However, this slow decline is a sign that you or a loved one are more likely to fall and cause serious injury.
Why Consider In Home Care Services
People are naturally able to adapt to change, but this skill can be harmful if someone accepts small changes in their health, such as moving slowly, forgetfulness, or lack of motivation, and adapts to accommodate those changes. These are all signs that something is wrong and acceptance of these symptoms as normal could lead to a fall or other serious medical condition.
Falls are serious and should be avoided at all costs. Fall deaths in the United States have increased by thirty percent between 2007 and 2016 for older adults and one in five cases involve a serious injury. Every year, one in four older adults fall, yet less than half report the incident to their doctor. Embarrassment or false confidence in their own abilities leads to withholding information from their doctor, which is never a good idea. It is highly encouraged that you or a loved one inform your doctor what’s going on and discuss options that are right for you.
Watch for These Signs
Here is a list of signs showing that you or a loved one may need in home care services:
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble standing or getting out of bed/chairs
- Loss of balance
- Frequent fall incidents
- Forgetfulness
- Loss of bladder control and other toileting difficulties
- Weight loss or poor diet due to difficulty cooking
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Dirty and disorganized house because cleaning is too tiring
If several of the above warning signs are prevalent in your or a loved one’s everyday life, it is advised that you plan for additional assistance at home. Many people don’t seek help because they fear losing their independence or being forced into a care facility. Assisting Hands Home Care provides 24/7 care in your own home to alleviate these worries. Home care is especially necessary if you or your loved one is a senior or living with a physical disability.
Call Assisting Hands Home Care
Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond provides a FREE evaluation of you or your loved one and will give you an honest assessment. Assisting Hands will recommend safety equipment and other services to keep you safe in your home without sacrificing your independence.
Contact us now at (804) 500-9787 for home care services in the Richmond, VA area.
