For most of us it’s difficult to see that a parent or other family member is beginning to decline in health. The sooner we acknowledge that they need help and get the necessary services in place, the more likely it will be that they can stay in their home.
There are many ways ComForcare can help. The Park Ridge office serves Des Plaines and has a trained Intake Professional to help answer any of your questions. The Intake Professional will gather information about your loved one’s condition and address your concerns. You can schedule a visit with a ComForcare representative who will meet with you in your loved one’s home.
Evaluating Care Needs
During the in-home visit, ComForcare will perform a home safety evaluation and a fall risk evaluation, and provide recommendations to improve the living conditions. This visit allows us to observe exactly how we may be of help so we can match the right services to your loved one’s needs. Are you starting to notice signs that your parent or loved one needs assistance at home? ComForcare is here to talk you through your options. Older adults may often stay at home longer with the right assistance.
Signs and Signals
As your loved ones age, it’s natural to start worrying about their health and safety, but how do you know when it’s time to seek help? How do you decide what kind of help your loved ones need? The key to maintaining independent living is recognizing the signs that help is needed. You’ve noticed signs that your parent or other family member needs assistance at home, but the thought of discussing it with them is upsetting and distressing. When is the best time to talk about home care assistance? How do you talk about it without hurting them? Is it even possible to have a positive discussion about it?
While it can be difficult to talk to loved ones about home care, putting off the conversation could mean risking an emergency situation such as an accident or illness. It’s important to have the discussion before an incident occurs. Start the conversation with your loved one in a casual way, opening them up to sharing their needs and their desires regarding home care and their future.
Here are some tips for talking with loved ones to make these conversations easier:
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1. Start talking with your loved one now. You will have more time, more options and a better chance of helping them to stay at home if you address issues before they become serious problems.
2. Ask questions and listen. Share what you have observed and ask questions about what they think is causing problems and what they suggest for solutions.
3. Talk as you would to any other adult. Do not patronize or speak to them like they’re children. Approach them as equals, with respect and consideration, and you will get a much better response. You need your parents to work with you to find solutions.
need in-home assistance.
Here are some signs that it may be time to bring in elder care services:
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- A history of falls
- Weight loss, diminished appetite or unwillingness to prepare meals, spoiled food in the refrigerator
- Problems with walking or balance, getting up or down, or transferring in and out of bed
- Diminished driving skills or recent car accidents
- Changes in personal grooming or hygiene
- Forgetting to take medication or get prescriptions refilled
- Unclean or cluttered home
- Unpaid bills or paperwork piling up
- A loss of interest in socializing or in activities that were once enjoyed
- Confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating or changes in personality
If you recognize any of these signs, call ComForcare to start a discussion.
We’re available 24 hours a day to help you evaluate your needs and determine the best options for you and your loved one. We can meet with you in your home or at our office.
We can provide an in-home evaluation of your loved one's condition and needs, and we’ll work with you to develop a customized care plan for our professional caregivers to follow.
