November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. Everyone wants to think of their parents as being capable and healthy. Things can happen that make long-term care a necessity. Here are five of the top reasons your mom may end up needing a caregiver.

Chronic Illness

Many long-term care professionals are hired after a senior is diagnosed with a chronic illness. Chronic disease in the elderly usually include conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The illnesses impact how well a senior can manage things at home.

Your mom may have a hard time remembering if she took her medications. She might find it impossible to carry the hamper down to the washer and dryer due to the pain of arthritis. Long-term care can help her age at home without impacting her safety.

Recovery After a Sudden Illness or Fall

Your mom had a stroke or fell and broke a hip. She’ll need long-term care while she recovers. Caregivers provide support while getting in and out of a shower or off the toilet. They also help with transportation and housework.

Memory Issues

With Alzheimer’s so prevalent, one of the leading reasons for long-term care is the disease. In the early stages, your mom won’t need much help. As the disease progresses, she won’t remember to take her medications. She may forget she has food cooking in the oven or on the stove. She might go for a walk and forget how to get back home.

It’s not recommended that she drives after a certain point. She may even forget how to tie her shoes or button a shirt. Long-term care is necessary for her to live safely at home.

Balance and Stamina Aren’t the Same

As you age, muscle strength usually declines and osteoporosis may weaken bones. Exercise helps keep muscles and bones strong, but there’s still the possibility that balance and stamina lessen to a degree. Having someone around the house to provide long-term care helps reduce the risk of falling and breaking a bone.

Isolation is a Problem

Your mom doesn’t live within walking distance of stores and restaurants. Public transportation is not available in her area. She also cannot safely drive anymore. You do what you can, but you work five days a week. With a caregiver, your mom has a ride to places she needs to go.

Caregivers help with many aspects of aging at home. From cooking to transportation, a caregiver can help your mom stay safe. Learn more about caregivers by calling a home care agency.

Have questions about hiring home care services in Honolulu, HI? Contact the caring staff at All Care Hawaii today. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Call Oahu?(808) 206-8409? or ?Maui?(808) 664-3853.

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Jermie Chadwick, CEO

CEO / Owner at All Care Hawaii

Jermie graduated with her nursing degree from Ateneo De Davao University. Jermie has a compassionate nature, being raised by her Grandparents and Aunt who instilled in her respect for elders, as well as the “golden rule” to help others is priority. Jermie worked for many years with two of the leading Health Care Agencies in Hawaii and received many accolades from both the companies and the clients. During this time she expanded upon her extensive health care training and knowledge, by gaining vast practical experience. Today Jermie’s skills and experience are utilized in her oversight of all aspects of care provided by All Care Hawaii, assuring that the company she founded remains consistently committed to the best care for others and responsive to all client’s needs.

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