Visiting Angels of Gilford Offers Helpful Personal Care Tips and What to Watch Out For
Home care is not a one-size-fits-all solution and navigating the maze of provider options can prove exhausting for families. For loved ones requiring assistance with most daily activities, personal care is an invaluable, customized service.
In this post, we will examine personal care – what it is and how families in the Gilford area can connect with experienced local caregivers to ensure quality care for their loved one.
The Two Types of Care
Home care services generally fall into two primary categories: companion care and personal care. Companion care assists individuals with routine tasks, such as meal preparation, light cleaning or housekeeping, and various errands. Personal care is far more extensive; encompassing all of the functions of companion care, as well as assistance with life’s most basic needs, like dressing, grooming and bathing.
Who Needs Personal Home Care?
This particular type of caregiving benefits anyone incapable of safely performing everyday tasks and functions. This includes seniors, as well as those with physical disabilities or limited mobility, chronic conditions, or those with balance issues or other factors contributing to an increased risk of falling.
Warning Signs
By understanding some of the common signs outlined below, families will be prepared to identify when advanced care is needed in order to proactively plan for a smoother transition to a safe and stable care arrangement.
- Unexplained injuries - Families should watch for unexplained cuts, scrapes, and bruises, or any signs of self-neglect.
- Advice from health care professionals - Concerns and recommendations shared by doctors, nurses and other medical personnel – trust the trained professionals caring for your loved one.
- Difficulty with everyday activities - Struggling with activities like dressing, bathing or grooming.
- Limited mobility - Difficulty moving from room to room and the inability to perform everyday tasks.
- Fear for personal safety and health - These uncertainties are not uncommon in advanced age and as health begins to fail – a caregiver can reduce the risk of falls and injury and help navigate the challenges of everyday life.
The decision to transition to home care can be difficult for both patients and families. By gaining a fuller understanding of what the caregiving process entails and the benefits it offers, families can help ease their loved ones’ fears and provide a safe and stable option for aging in place.
Quality Care from Visiting Angels of Gilford
Visiting Angels of Gilford is the leading home care provider serving the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and the surrounding towns. Through our Select Your Caregiver® program, every client is carefully matched with a compatible caregiver so you can be confident your loved one will be cared for by someone who is the right fit for his or her needs and personality.
Contact us today to learn more about Visiting Angels of Gilford’s specialized care services. Our in-home consultations are free – we will explore a care plan with you that fits both your budget and your loved one’s desired quality of life.