Since moving across the country last year, you’ve made it a priority to phone Mom every Sunday morning, no exceptions. After catching up on the week’s news, she always reassures you that yes, she’s eating well, taking her meds, getting plenty of rest, and doing perfectly fine.
However, visiting her in person in Des Moines County for a week over summer vacation paints a different picture. Her once hyper-organized kitchen is jumbled with junk mail and old magazines, with a sink full of slightly molding dishes. The refrigerator contains spoiled and expired food. And most worrisome, there’s a scorch mark on the table by the oven.
For family members living far away from older loved ones, these common signs that home care is needed are often only evident during in-person visits. Nora Jean Levine, executive director from Caring From a Distance, tells adult children to, ‘Open your eyes. Try and really see what’s going on and not what you want to be going on.’ It’s important to assess both the home environment and the senior herself (for bruises that could indicate falls, signs of depression or confusion, and other personality changes). And in between in-person visits, ask for the assistance of a trusted neighbor or an Aging Life Care Professional to keep an eye on the senior.
Most important of all, the best way to keep seniors safe, secure, and thriving is to hire a professional Des Moines County home care agency, such as Advanced Home Health Care. Providing a full suite of services including medication reminders, assistance with meals and housekeeping, skilled nursing, therapy, rehab and care coordination can make a world of difference in both the life of a senior and the family who loves her.
Give us a call today at 800.791.7785 to learn more. In addition to providing Des Moines County home care, we also provide home care services throughout Lee County, Louisa County, Van Buren County and Henry County.
