How Will I Know When In-Home Care is Needed?

Is it safe for me to be alone?

As we approach our golden years we begin to think about the trips we’ll take, the Bridge games we’ll play, and the time we’ll spend with family and friends. While specific elements of aging are different for everyone, no one looks forward to the day that they realize “ I’m no longer able to live independently in my home without assistance.” As we grow older it is natural to want to stay in the comfort of your own home, but there may come a time when you have to ask yourself; Is it safe? 

Sometimes, decline in your ability to care for yourself can happen gradually or all of a sudden. It can be frightening and painful to see yourself or a loved one losing the ability to care for themselves and looking to others for assistance. Whatever the case may be, it can be hard to determine if you can still live independently and safely in the comforts of your home alone.

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When should I be concerned?

• Difficulty performing simple tasks and forgetting how to do things you've done many times before.
• Gets lost or disoriented even in familiar places; unable to follow directions. 
• Trouble making choices, shows poor judgment.
• Home cleanliness; are things pilling up? Dishes in sink, laundry not done. Does home appear to be more cluttered than usual?
• Personal hygiene; wearing the same clothes, not bathing due to forgetfulness or fear of getting into the shower.
• Full or empty cupboards. Forgetting to eat or buy groceries. Unable to get to the store to buy groceries, weight loss.
• Not taking medication properly; forgetting to take medication or order refills.
• Recent falls or difficulty walking or transferring.
• Unopened mail, unpaid bills.
• Lack of interest in friends, family, hobbies or activities.
  
  

If you answered yes to any of the following indicators then it may be time to reach out to family, friends, or an in-home care agency so that you may continue to live independently in the comforts of your home

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I need assistance, but where do I begin?

Making the determination that you are no longer able to reside in your home alone is never an easy one. We all want to maintain our independence and not have to rely on the assistance of others, but there comes the time that the assistance is needed and we need to know where to turn. If it's asking the assistance of family or friends or hiring an in-home care agency to help you stay in the comfort of your own home. It's time to take that step. There are many resources available to you outside of family and friends. 

Here is a list of other services who may be able to assist you.

• Local Agency on Aging
• Senior Centers
• In-Home Care Agencies
• Churches
• Valley Caregiver Resource Center
• Alzheimer's Day Care

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