How Do You Know When it’s Time for Elder Care?

Sometimes there’s a sign, sometimes there’s a gut feeling of “something’s not quite right” but sometimes there is no warning that there is a problem at all. It’s hard to know when it’s time to start caring for aging parents when your parents have spent a lifetime caring for themselves and others. American Home Companions recommends reviewing the Seniors Citizens Guide for 10 Signs That Your Aging Parent Needs Help when thinking about the necessity of elder care:

1. The mail is piling up and bills have been left unpaid.
2. The house is unusually dirty and unkempt.
3. Food in the refrigerator has spoiled or is uneaten.
4. With short-term memory loss items can be put away in unusual places or there can be scorching marks on the bottoms of pots and pans.
5. The parent wears the same clothes every day or the clothes are noticeably dirty due to the physical limitations of doing the laundry.
6. Missed appointments from either memory loss or fear of driving.
7. Frequent phone calls at unusual times.
8. Not taking medication or taking medication improperly.
9. Symptoms of depression, sleeping more than usual.
10. Weight loss.

American Home Companions provides an affordable alternative to nursing home care by bringing the caregiver into the seniors’ own home. Some of the services provided by the home companions are light housekeeping, grocery shopping and errands, nutritious meal preparation, medication reminders, companionship, etc.

Some senior citizens resist accepting help because they think they will lose their independence. American Home Companions’ clients have found new independence by being able to do the things they enjoy. “I needed help,” exclaims Clarence Peterson when asked about the decision to hire a home companion. Caregiver Juliet has “made life a lot easier,” he remarks with assuring nods and smiles.

After being in control of their lives for so long, many elderly parents deny being frail and object to needing a caregiver. Sometimes the adult child has to take on a more active role in their parents care. “I doubt he’d still be around if it wasn’t for the one on one care he’s received,” says Jan Bilka daughter of American Home Companions’ client E. Houston Harsha.

Having a live-in companion, offered by American Home Companions, enables seniors that need a little extra care or those with diminished physical or mental capacities to live normal lives in their own home, improving their quality of life. “My companion couldn't be better; she is a jewel. Julianna fixes good meals and helps me around the house,” says Nella McDaniel, an American Home Companions’ client.

American Home Companions’ guarantee of compatibility and broad breadth of services is sure to please any senior in need of extra care in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. American Home Companions works with hospitals, physicians, social workers, rehabilitation centers, nurse registries, and home health agencies to make life easier for you.

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