We’ve discussed serious warning signs in How to Start the Home Health Care Conversation in Your Family and Signs to Look for During Holiday Visits, but it can be challenging even when you understand some patterns to look out for. Another challenge is when the time comes to talk about enlisting the help that home health care offers. If you see the following signs, it’s time to explore home health care.
- Bruises
Bruising can be a sign of balance or spatial relation issues that can be symptomatic of a more serious health issue. The potential for falls and injury can be serious. Premier Home Health Care, Inc. can help clients safely navigate stairs, go for walks safely and monitor overall health.
- Weight Loss
For those not currently following a doctor’s recommended weight loss plan, a change in normal weight can be a sign of appetite loss, challenges preparing meals or even forgetting to eat. Premier’s home health care aides can help shop for groceries, prepare meals, ensure clients eat nutritious, balanced meals and report any dietary concerns to the managing RN that oversees the client’s care.
- Not Taking Medication
Sometimes patients don’t always follow their doctor’s instructions to take medication as prescribed or follow their hospital discharge plan to the letter. This can be because patients “feel better” and don’t think they need to continue taking the medication, don’t understand how and when to take their medications, or say they feel side effects. It’s critical to always take medication as prescribed and speak with a doctor before stopping a run of medication.
Not taking medication properly can also be a sign that a patient is forgetting their medication schedule. This can lead to recurrence of illness or other complications.
Premier’s home health care team can remind clients to take their medications and supervise that they are properly taken. A nurse will review clients’ medication regimes and provide education on proper administration. Premier’s clinical staff can also pre-pour medications. This can make taking medications as prescribed easier for the client. Premier has an automated medication dispensing solution that cues clients when it's time to take medications and releases medications at the appropriate scheduled time. This option is a good solution for clients who may be forgetful or have periods of time when they are not supervised. The dispensing device can notify the primary caregiver when medications are not taken.
- Financial Irregularities
Unpaid bills, unusual expenses or bookkeeping errors can be a sign of changes in memory, decision making or cognitive skills. Shifts in decision making can make some more vulnerable to financial scams as well. Clients and their families can work together with their Premier home health care aide to help protect themselves from these kinds of scams.
- Changes in Housekeeping and Personal Grooming
A normally neat and tidy home seems that seems cluttered or in unusual disarray can be a sign of other issues. Diminished energy or impaired memory can make tackling housekeeping chores challenging. Premier’s staff can help with maintaining housekeeping and monitoring clients’ overall health.
Personal grooming changes can also signal a lack of energy, depression or changes in memory. Forgetting or not feeling up to previous grooming routines can be a sign of a health issue. Premier can help with grooming, hygiene and even dental care to help clients feel great and stay healthy.
If you’ve checked off any of the above, have spoken with a physician and believe it is time to enlist more help, take our quick assessment quiz to learn more. To speak with us now about the Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc. difference, please call 1-866-720-0124.
