Is It Time To Bring In A Home Health Aide?

Are you becoming overwhelmed as the sole caregiver to mom and dad? Are your elderly parents still living on their own, or are you looking after loved ones at your house? There is dignity in independence, and we all know how it feels when we are dependent on others, whether financially or physically. Senior adults should be supported to remain active, independent, and involved in their community for as long as possible. But there comes a time when we need help. 

How do you know it is time to contract the services of a Home Health Aide? Here are some of the most common identifiers: 

Fatigued Family Caregivers  

According to research by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), there were more than 53 million family caregivers in 2020. It means that more than one in five Americans cares for a loved one. Let’s look at more statistics:

• 26% Care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• 21% Report their own health is fair to poor.
• 26% Family caregivers state they have difficulty coordinating care. 

Did you know you have a right to your own life, despite being solely responsible for loved ones? If you are feeling fatigued and need help, consider using the services of a United Methodist Communities (UMC) HomeWorks Home Health Aide.

Early Signs Of Dementia   

Are your loved ones showing early signs of dementia and you are struggling to keep them safe and comfortable with the help of your family? When the slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills impacts their quality of life and yours, it’s definitely time for a home health aide. Especially, as the more serious symptoms of dementia pose safety risks i.e. your loved one leaving  the oven on. UMC HomeWorks aides can relieve you two to three days per week or even 24/7 as dementia symptoms progress.     

We have longstanding experience with memory care in our full-service assisted living communities and understand what your loved one needs. Our home health aides have been professionally trained to help your older loved ones cope with their condition while maximizing their capabilities. Our home care providers can also assist seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s, depression, and other complex health conditions.   

Challenges with Personal Grooming  

Are your parents still living in their own home, but you noticed during the last visit your dad’s hair is not combed and your mom is wearing a stained dress? When seniors start finding personal grooming challenging, it is time to get them some help. UMC HomeWorks caregivers are certified and screened for compassion and patience. A home health aide will help your parents with bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, laundry and more.  

Have you researched the numerous daily living aids designed for in-home care? Maybe all your father needs is a long handle comb and he will be back to his usual well-groomed self. 

Inability To Manage Medications 

The inability to manage medications is dangerous, and according to the Department of Health and Human Services, medication nonadherence is widespread among seniors. They state that 55% of the elderly don’t take their medication according to the doctor’s instructions. If this is a concern for you, a home health aide from UMC HomeWorks can assist. They execute the Care Plan established and monitored by a Registered Nurse (RN), which includes medication management; arranging for transportation of your loved ones to medical appointments, and can even organize a visiting physician service.  

How Can UMC HomeWorks Help You  

Arranging the services of a UMC HomeWorks Home Health Aide is simple. Contact us at the dedicated number, and you will be visited by a Registered Nurse. Once a Care Plan is established and a compatible home health aide is selected for your specific needs, home care visits can start immediately. We have more than a hundred years of experience caring for the elderly, and all our aides have New Jersey Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) qualifications.   

At United Methodist Communities (UMC) HomeWorks, we carefully match each older adult with the caregiver most suited to them and their needs. For more information, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks