According to AARP, 9 out of 10 Americans want to grow old at home and keep living in their communities as long as possible, known as Aging in Place. With the desire to stay at home being so common, many people may wonder when it is time to take the next step and request assistance in the home. There are several common indicators that now may be the time to set-up in home health care services. Some of these indicators are:
- Frequent falls
- Changes in medications
- When assistance with walking and/or ambulating is required
- Multiple visits to the emergency room
- Recent hospital admission
- A recent or scheduled surgery
- Unintentional weight loss
- Difficulty managing medications
- Poorly controlled pain
- Assistance required to leave the home due to a medical condition
- Social withdrawal
- Daily care of wounds or administering of treatments
- An advanced neurological disease
- Limits on physical mobility due to a stroke or general weakness
- Chronic illness with periods of instability
- Primary caregiver experiencing caregiver fatigue
Keep in mind that this is a very short list and that it should in no way deter you from requesting information about home health care if you feel that it is right for you. Each person who contacts a home health care agency has a unique situation and a reputable agency will take the time to look over your situation and make recommendations based on your needs.