When Should Raleigh-Area Families Think About Long-Term Care?

If you have an older parent or sibling who lives in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, or any of the nearby towns in Wake County, NC, they might be able to live alone for now. The occasional respite care from Visiting Angels of Raleigh may be necessary if you are unable to meet their demands or if they are going through a temporary medical crisis and need help with daily duties.

However, this may change.

If your senior loved one is losing weight but not working out or taking care of themselves, this could be a sign that they need help. Problems associated with aging or symptoms of a chronic disease could make it hard for them to take care of themselves. Neglecting to pay attention to these red flags might put your loved one's independence at risk due to injury or a medical emergency.

With the long-term care services offered by Visiting Angels of Raleigh, your loved one may get all the assistance they need to remain in their beloved home. However, it's important to identify the signs that your loved one may need this level of in-home care to help them age in place.

Signs That It's Time for Long-Term Care for Seniors in Raleigh, NC and Surrounding Areas

According to the National Institute on Aging, long-term care is defined as services that help older adults make up for the gradual loss of function that comes with living with a chronic illness or disability. It could be difficult to know whether a loved one needs extra hands-on care if they are resistant to asking for help or telling you.

If you or a loved one see any of these signs, it may be time to consider long-term care options:

Chronic Illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines chronic illnesses as "conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both." The inability to take care of oneself or carry out everyday activities is a common symptom of many chronic diseases, including cancer, asthma, and heart disease. Additionally, they could benefit from having someone keep an eye on them in case their symptoms become worse and they need to see a doctor.

Our caregivers at Visiting Angels of Raleigh help seniors with light housekeeping and meal preparation, but we also encourage those with chronic health conditions to incorporate activities into their daily routines that may assist with symptom management and overall health maintenance. In addition, we maintain regular contact with families to update you on the status of your loved one and any developments in their health.

Recent Injuries

Injuries are more common in seniors who have trouble moving about. The elderly are more vulnerable to injuries caused by falls. It might take months to heal and recover from serious injuries sustained by tripping on stairs, falling in the shower, or taking the incorrect step. They require a lot more consistent attention and care now. After recovering from the injury, individuals could need more assistance if their mobility and cognition were significantly impaired.

Visiting Angels of Raleigh provides long-term care services that may help seniors who have fallen and need to recover at home. We will be here to help your loved one get back on their feet as soon as they leave the hospital. This includes assisting with daily tasks, making sure they follow their healthcare provider's orders, and any other concerns they may have. Your loved one may still benefit from our home care services after they have recovered if you are worried about them getting hurt again.

Advanced Age-Related Issues

As they become older, many seniors in Raleigh and surrounding areas experience declining mobility and cognitive decline. However, some elderly people may have more severe age-related conditions that make it difficult for them to live on their own. It is crucial that your loved one gets the care they need if they frequent incontinence issues, live in an untidy home because it's become too painful for them to keep up with housekeeping tasks, eat unhealthy microwave meals, or can't drive themselves because of vision problems. These problems might become worse over time, endangering their well-being.

Visiting Angels of Raleigh provides long-term care, which includes help with housework that has become too onerous due to significant age-related issues. In addition, our caregivers will keep your loved one comfortable at all times and will notify you of any new medical concerns.

Why Families in Raleigh, NC and Surrounding Areas Choose Long-Term Care from Visiting Angels

For long-term care, many families in Wake County have relied on Visiting Angels of Raleigh since 2000. We believe in a tailored, one-on-one approach to home care, and we serve seniors in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and nearby cities. Your loved one will get a care plan that is tailored to their requirements and schedule, which ensures that they will receive the best possible care. In addition, we will help you choose a caregiver who is a good match for your loved one in terms of both their personality and daily routine and who can meet their care needs. With our help, your elderly loved one will be able to enjoy their golden years at home in comfort and safety.

Call our Raleigh, NC office at 919-787-4317 or fill out our form to schedule a free in-home consultation today and see if long-term care is right for your loved one!