Does Your Loved One Need Elder Care Services?

When your parents, loved ones, or older relatives begin to need constant care, it can be both saddening and overwhelming. This article discusses how elder care services make a difference in aiding family caregivers providing help for loved ones in need of assistance. Elder care services encompass a broad range of services; personal care for elderly friends, relatives, and loved ones as well as housekeeping duties, day care, and meal preparation as well. Approximately 16% of the population is currently over the age of 65 and are in need of help when it comes to bathing, dressing, grooming, and dietary services. However, much of elder care is needed on a supplementary basis, as the majority (80%) of the elderly and senior citizens live with other family members or loved ones.

Elder care services are particularly necessary when seniors suffer from medical conditions. Among the most common medical ailments that affect an elderly individual's day-to-day activities include forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer's), Parkinson's disease, heart related diseases and recovery from heart treatments, vision problems, and diabetes as well. These illnesses and the varying degrees of severity pose challenges for not only the elderly who suffer them but the caregivers who provide treatment and support. As mentioned, the majority of elderly individuals choose to live in the comfort of their own homes or with their loved ones. Elder care services provide the resources and support necessary for them to do so.

Even if your elderly relatives or loved ones are fortunate enough to have their health, elder care can still be an option for support. But how do you know when it's time to provide your loved ones with assistance, especially if they aren't going to ask for it?

Signs Your Loved One is in Need of Elder Care Services or Assistance:

Does your relative, friend, or family member lose track of what they're saying mid conversation? I.e. the names of their children, grandchildren, or the year or date?
Has their spouse or close friend recently passed away?
Have you noticed a decline in their personal hygiene?
Have you observed a significant change in their weight?
Do they neglect to clean or repair their home?
Even though they're still mobile, is there never any food in the house?
Do they sometimes forget to take their medication, or fail to take it regularly?

It's important to consider getting help for your elderly loved ones when they can be involved in the process, as joint decisions are generally more thoughtful and respectful to a senior's dignity. Remember that moving your loved one out of their house and home isn't always the best option, and elder care services provide assistance better suited to their needs. Elder care services aid seniors with the daily activities mentioned above, allowing them to remain the security of their own home with some necessary assistance to improve their quality of life.

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels, the nation's leading, network of non-medical, visitingangels.com assisted living facilities provider to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on visitingangels.com Elder Care programs.