In a perfect world, aging loved ones would be completely independent. They’d be able to continue living in their own homes throughout retirement, cook the meals they’ve always enjoyed, and care for the houses they’ve lived in for decades. If they needed assistance from outside sources, such as a qualified home health agency, they’d be able to easily set up these services and utilize them without any problems.
Sadly, we do not live in a perfect world. The truth is that quite often, getting and making use of home care in San Francisco involves more than just the senior in need of services. Adult children often factor heavily into home care decisions – and sometimes extended family members as well.
Physical limitations
The biggest reason that family members are called upon to help elderly relatives is due to the latter’s physical limitations. This can include anything from major medical conditions (such as partial paralysis after a stroke) to generalized frailty and weakness. But regardless of the cause, the senior in question is no longer able to function independently in their own homes. They may even need assistance with personal care tasks, such as visiting the restroom and bathing – which close family members may not be comfortable performing.
Cognitive limitations
Another reason families become involved in an elder’s home care is something that may go unnoticed by the elder themselves: a decline in cognition. Because of changes in brain structure and function from conditions like Alzheimer’s, the senior’s decrease in mental abilities may not be immediately apparent to them. However, family members who know them well are often the first to become aware of these changes. And make no mistake: such changes can be just as dangerous and debilitating as any physical limitations. For instance, forgetfulness can cause seniors to miss medication dosages or get lost driving to doctor’s appointments or pharmacies.
Denial
Probably one of the most surprising reasons that home care in San Francisco affects a senior’s family is denial. This often occurs when the senior needs more help than they are readily willing or prepared to accept. Instead of contracting out for services, the senior may begin to ask for more frequent assistance from the family. Weekly dinners that were once social occasions perhaps turn into dropping off meals several times a week or cooking them in the senior’s home. Housekeeping chores that once only applied to seasonal or major cleanups may increase as well – everything from scrubbing the bathrooms to trimming the hedges.
Eventually, an adult caregiver can become overwhelmed with trying to maintain two households, often in addition to having one or more jobs or caring for their own families.
Professional caregivers can help with home care in San Francisco
Very often, trying to take care of an elderly relative is a constant challenge for the modern family. With limited time and finances to spare, these informal caregivers have to juggle and weigh their own needs against their elder’s – with one often on the losing end. In addition, family members who are involved (or want to be), may live far away from the elder and one another. This can make choosing, coordinating, and providing services a struggle.
One potential solution is to utilize the efforts and expertise of a certified home health agency. They have the skills and training necessary to identify your loved one’s needs, as well as meet them in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.
Talk a knowledgeable agency about home care in San Francisco
Whether you’re working on your own or with other family members to coordinate services, the options and logistics can seem confusing and overwhelming. Talk to a knowledgeable agency about getting home care in San Francisco for your elderly loved one. They can guide you through the most common challenges when it comes to these services, including those mentioned above. After speaking to an agency, you’ll often find that you and your family are not alone when it comes to wanting the best for your aging loved one.
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home senior care. Contact us to find out more.
