As originally published in The Coteau Shopper
According to the US Census Bureau, the number of people age 65 and older in the US is 47.8 million as of July 1, 2015. This group accounts for 14.9% of the total US population. As we age, people around us may begin to question if we need assistance to remain safely at home. Your loved ones will often notice changes in your daily activities before you do. It is hard to admit that we may need help, but with caring support from home health staff, you can live and be comfortable in your home longer.
Home health staff can provide care in a variety of capacities, ranging from personal care, like bathing and housekeeping, to nursing and rehabilitation. “Skilled” home health services are ordered by a doctor. This is usually done after an office visit or hospital stay to help you manage new medications, changes in your health condition, or provide rehabilitation in your home. These services ordered by your doctor are generally covered by Medicare or private insurance.
But you don’t have to have a “skilled” need to benefit from home health services. Here is a checklist to guide you through determining if your life could be made better with home health assistance:
- Difficulty walking and keeping your balance.
- Difficulty getting in and out of the shower/tub.
- Difficulty keeping track of time.
- Forgetting to take medications.
- Loss of appetite and poor diet.
- Difficulty maintaining a clean home or doing laundry.
- Loss of interest in hobbies.
- Missing appointments.
- Mood swings.
- Sleeping for most of the day.
- Unexplained bruising or pain.
When choosing home health assistance, get to know all of the services available and ensure that staff can plan their visits around your schedule. One of the best perks in home health care is the ability to stay independent and be where you want to be, at home.