Veterans Home Care
Veterans can be an interesting breed, for a variety of different reasons. Maybe there is an aging veteran in your life and you’re trying to determine whether he or she needs some type of care at home. Trying to determine whether an elderly individual is simply moving slower, but can still maintain safety and do all of the activity they want to or if they are struggling with their own basic care may seem difficult at times.
Below are five signs that may very well indicate the veteran in your life is dealing with issues that can affect the quality of life and safety. If you notice any or more of these signs, it’s time to sit down and have a serious conversation about the prospect of home care services.
Sign #1: They are calling on you or others for assistance more frequently. As people get older, it’s common for them to call on others to help them out with various tasks. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but if those calls increase in quantity, it could very well indicate they should be relying on an experienced caregiver.
Sign #2: They have fallen. Hopefully, if the veteran fell down, he or she wasn’t injured in the fall. For many seniors, if they fall once, they will fall again. The first fall for a senior who lives at home alone should be a wake-up call to both them and their family members that they probably need some assistance, at least part time. A safety device in the interim may be a good idea as well, such as a panic button on a necklace or bracelet.
Sign #3: They have been hospitalized recently. Any time a senior is hospitalized, there is likely going to be a recovery period at home. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but getting proper support is essential in ensuring they make a full and healthy recovery. Relying on friends and family may be practical for a while, but an experienced caregiver can help to maximize the chances of making a full recovery.
Sign #4: They have expressed concerns about their own safety. If your veteran father or mother has told you they are concerned about their safety at home, take this admission seriously. Sit down and talk to them about specifics and determine whether or not now is the right time to bring up the topic of home care. It very well might be.
Sign #5: They have lost their license to drive. Many people consider a driver’s license a sign of independence. If your aging father has lost or given up his license to drive, it can make it difficult to get to a doctor’s appointment, the store, or to even visit friends. An experienced home care aide hired through an agency may very well be able to offer transportation services along with all of the other wonderful benefits they provide.
For more information and to learn about caregivers for aging veterans, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
