When To Get Help - Part 1 | Home2uBlog.com

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When To Get Help - Part 1

Feb 11th, 2008 by admin

For most of us independence and privacy is an important condition for a comfortable life. We each have our habits and methods of doing things, and life has a rhythm that just “fits” our personalities. But as people age and physical changes occur, we may find ourselves or loved ones dealing with those changes ineffectively. Sooner or later the question starts ringing in our heads, “When should I look for help?”

But then we think, “Oh, I don’t need help. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.” or “I can’t tell Mom what to do – she’d never listen to me, anyway.” Or “Dad would never accept help, he’s too proud.” or “ It’s not time yet, let’s wait”. And so we wait and do what we can ourselves, all the while still wondering, “When should I look for help?”

The good news is we don’t have to guess. There are some common indicators that help us tell when it’s time to get some help. We don’t have to wait for a crisis situation to throw everyone into a panic. In fact, the goal should be to avoid the crisis, for everyone’s benefit.

Here are some indicators to consider…

1. Physical Condition:
Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects their daily living? Has dressing, grooming, shaving, toileting, or eating become a challenge?

2. Personal Care:
Are baths/showers being taken regularly? Is there any body odor? Are teeth and hair brushed and washed regularly? Are incontinence products worn if necessary and changed regularly and correctly?

3. Driving:
Has driving become difficult, uncertain or scary? Have reflexes and decision making slowed? Have new dings, dents or scratches appeared on vehicles?

4. Nutrition:
Is your or your loved one’s weight stable? Are you/they eating regularly and nutritiously? Is the refrigerator properly stocked with a variety of foods? Does all the food have current expiration dates? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or on the counters?

5. Household Tasks:
Are household chores being done regularly? For example, dusting, laundry, vacuuming. Are bed linens changed regularly? Have household chores become frustrating, physically demanding, or time consuming?

Family members often see the changes in the way a senior moves, acts, thinks, and responds to situations around them but dismiss them until one of two things happen. Either the family begins to spend so much time helping the senior themselves that they have little time for their own responsibilities or the senior experiences a physical or medical crisis. Both of these result in undue stress for the family and the senior. If you have a concern with even one set of indicators, it’s time to acknowledge it, learn more about what is causing it and what options are available to overcome it. Speak openly, calmly, and honestly about the issue and the type of assistance needed to overcome it. Frequently, simple changes can make a big improvement. We encourage you to be proactive and avoid a crisis situation that throws everyone into an emotional reaction. Calm, rational transitions are easier on everyone than stressful ones.

Call Seniors at Home, Inc for a free in home assessment.

(619)291-4663
www.seniors-at-home.net
sheila@seniors-at-home.net

Sheila Korn is the Director and President of Seniors At Home, Inc. Sheila is in charge of all the people who are at Seniors at Home, Inc. This includes overseeing all client activities and the staff. She makes sure that everything is okay with the care plans and programs. Sheila is always happy to answer any of your questions. She is a Certified Senior Advisor. She has taken the educational initiative to become a professional leader in meeting the key needs and issues concerning mature adults. As a Certified Senior Advisor and President of Seniors At Home, she personally meets every client and assess each family’s needs.

Sheila Korn is a member of The Senior’s Choice Network. The Senior’s Choice is the largest membership organization in the homecare industry with over 200 members in the US and Canada. The Senior’s Choice is the oldest homecare membership organization founded in 1998.

Tags: aging, caregiver, elder care, elderly, home care, independent living, san diego, seniors