Look for These Signs, Then Take Action for Your Family Member’s Health
You pride yourself on being attentive to your loved one’s every need. You want to do everything you can to ensure they feel as well as possible at home. However, it’s normal to feel uncertain when trying to figure out the right time to rely on Missouri home caregiving services.
Some family members feel like it’s their responsibility to provide care, no matter what. Others wonder whether their loved one will respond well to having a caregiver in the home. However, if you rely on certain signs to help make your decision, you’ll have more clarity and confidence in your approach. Phoenix Home Care & Hospice has assembled a list of signs to help you learn when it’s time to consider working with a Missouri caregiver service agency.
Although you should always keep in mind that certain in-home care services, like Home and Community-Based Services, have eligibility requirements, and services like private duty care are paid for out-of-pocket, this guide will help you understand whether it’s time to look more closely at the services available for your loved one.
Your Loved One Needs More Help Than Family Can Provide
Many families try to take care of a loved one on their own before considering in-home care services in Missouri. You may decide that taking on the role of caregiver is an important way to serve your loved one. However, there are often limits to how families can help, especially when jobs, other family obligations, and day-to-day responsibilities get in the way.
If you’re unable to care for your loved one as consistently as you’d like, Missouri caregiving services can meet your needs, fill in the gaps, and ensure your loved one always has a helping hand available.
You Need Expertise To Help Your Loved One Balance Independence and Support
Your loved one may need help in certain areas, even though they are highly capable in others. You want to help your loved one feel capable and empowered, while also providing care where it’s needed.
A Missouri in-home care service team understands how to help you strike the balance between independence and support. Professionally trained and highly experienced, your caregiver understands when to help and when to allow your loved one to take the wheel.
Family caregivers sometimes struggle to achieve the same balancing act of independence and care that professional caregivers achieve with ease. When you feel that expertise is needed to preserve your loved one’s dignity and sense of empowerment, consider a Missouri caregiver service agency.
Daily Care Is Falling by the Wayside
When you visit your loved one’s home, have you noticed any changes in how they are caring for themselves and their surroundings? A noticeable decline in your loved one’s appearance or the cleanliness of their home is a sign that your loved one may need home caregiving services.
Look for:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unwashed hair and clothes.
- Unkempt appearance.
- Wrong clothing for the occasion or weather.
- Toilet accidents.
- Messes in the home.
- Stacks of bills.
You’re Concerned About Your Loved One’s Safety
Safety is one of the biggest concerns when a loved one with health challenges is living at home. Slips, trips, and accidents are common, including taking medications incorrectly or driving when it’s not advised.
Missouri in-home care service teams can take on various tasks that may be unsafe for your loved one. With help from caregiving services, your loved one can experience support for personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, medication management, and other tasks of daily living, so they always stay safe.
You See the Value of Companionship for Your Loved One
Although you and your loved one enjoy each other’s company, and your visits are a bright spot in both of your days, they may benefit from forming additional bonds. When you hire a Missouri home caregiver service team, you’ll be assigned a highly skilled caregiver who understands the power of connection and companionship. Your loved one’s caregiver becomes a trusted, honorary part of the family, whom they look forward to seeing.
You’re Noticing Signs of Caregiver Exhaustion
At some point, many family caregivers begin to feel burnout as they offer care to their loved one while juggling their daily responsibilities. It’s important to acknowledge that caregiving is stressful, emotionally draining, and challenging, even when you also recognize its rewards.
Missouri in-home care services give you a break from caregiving, so you can destress, take care of other tasks, and return to caregiving as your best self. Caregivers offer care in two-hour blocks of time up to 24/7 care, to give you short or extended breaks from caring for your loved one.
Where To Find Excellent Missouri Caregiver Services
If you’re seeking home caregiver services in Missouri, look for a team that offers care that meets your needs, whether you’re eligible for Medicaid-covered services like Home and Community-Based Services, Department of Mental Health, or private-pay services like private duty care.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, and you want a team that can provide the service that best serves your loved one. Some caregiver service agencies even offer Consumer-Directed Services for qualifying individuals. This service allows families to hire a caregiver themselves with administrative support from the agency.
Do your research to find a team with an option that is a good fit for your family. Unsure where to start? Contact your local Missouri caregiver service team to discover which services you qualify for, so you can offer your loved one the help they deserve right away.
