When should I consider help?

Many people don’t think about home care until a crisis hits, leaving the family scrambling to make arrangements when emotions are at an all-time high. This often means needs aren’t thoroughly assessed and decisions have to be made quickly.

Getting some extra help doesn’t mean you have to give up your freedom and can’t live an independent or active life. It’s never too early to start the conversation about home care so you and your loved ones are prepared, understand your needs and know what supports are available.

Starting home care sooner makes living at home easier and sometimes a little bit of help will mean you can actually remain independent and in your own home for longer while enjoying the things you love.

Getting someone in to help with physically demanding jobs such as weeding and pruning your garden, doesn’t mean you’re admitting you can’t look after the garden anymore. It simply enables you to enjoy your garden without having to do the ‘heavy’ stuff.

While there is no need to wait for a physical illness or health scare to start accessing home care, there are many signs or ‘trigger events’ that could signal a need for help. Some immediate signs could be:

◆ Loss of driver’s licence

◆ A fall resulting in reduced mobility

◆ A hospital stay or procedure that results in the need for temporary care

◆ New fear of being left alone

◆ Decline in general health

◆ Forgetting where you are or how to get back home

◆ Family or friends moving away and no one around to help you.

In other cases, the need for support happens more gradually. You may notice subtle changes such as:

◆ Simple daily jobs such as doing laundry and preparing meals start to feel overwhelming and hard to do

◆ Lack of personal grooming

◆ Your living space is becoming messier than usual

◆ Forgetfulness, for example missing meals, medication times and appointments or forgetting to pay bills

◆ Decreased attention to food safety i.e. using foods beyond expiry dates

◆ Avoiding social events or contact with others read about home care myths

◆ Family and friends spending more time helping you with everyday tasks.

There is no shame in admitting that you need some help to remain living in your own home. If you are finding day-to-day tasks harder to do by yourself or see a loved one having a hard time looking after themselves or their home, it may be time to consider your support options.