5 Signs Senior Home Care Support May Be Needed

Interim HealthCare
Published: January 11th, 2018

January 11, 2018 // Franchising.com // SUNRISE, FL - For many, the holidays are a time to reconnect with family and loved ones. Holiday visits are also a prime opportunity to evaluate if a senior loved one may need additional help at home.

“Our nation’s seniors increasingly desire independence, and taking them out of their homes is not always the answer they want or need,” said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare Inc. CEO and President. “In fact, nearly ninety percent of people over sixty-five want to stay at home if they are able, according to a research report by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute. Ensuring your loved ones get needed care before a situation turns dire helps them stay safely at home and age with dignity.”

It is important to heed warning signs that elderly loved ones need extra home care:

• Emotional State - Look for changes in behavior and mood with your senior loved ones. Do they seem to have big mood swings? Have you noticed a change in their outlook or withdrawal from social activities? Any changes in their feelings could be a sign of depression or another condition.
• Weight Loss - Has there been a significant loss of weight? Weight loss can cause reduced energy, which can make simple everyday tasks difficult to do. It may also be a sign of something more serious. If you notice signs of weight loss, it is time to talk with your loved ones about it and take them to see the doctor.
• Balance and Mobility - How is your loved one walking and moving? A change in their walk or showing signs of pain, with movement, can be indicative of joint, muscle or neurological problems. Unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling for seniors, which in turn could cause severe injury.
• Home Environment - When you walk through your loved one’s home, look to see if the usual standards are being met. Are bills piled up, hampers overflowing, and/or dirty dishes accumulating? If something seems off, pay attention to it.
• Memory Loss - If you notice memory changes that are more frequent or unusual, such as forgetting common words or getting lost in familiar neighborhoods, you should take note and consider having your loved one evaluated.

Families looking for more information and guidance can download Interim HealthCare’s free Senior Care Decision Guide.

About Interim HealthCare

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries Caring Brands International is a global health care leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Media Contacts:

Lesly Cardec
SVP, Marketing & PR
954-858-2735
lcardec@interimhealthcare.com

Jenny Wang
Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications
202-379-0826
jwang@rhstrategic.com

SOURCE Interim HealthCare