40% of adults age 65 and up need daily assistance, and 70% will need it at some point. However, knowing when it’s time to hire a caregiver isn’t always clear. Often people wait until after an injury or incident occurs before they consider in home care services. Unfortunately, waiting too long can mean more care is required, and that can limit your choices. Staying home is an option when the appropriate care is provided. So, look for the signs, and take a proactive approach to your or your loved one’s in-home care needs.

Whether they are struggling to manage their personal care or are having difficulty getting around, you’ve recognized that your loved one needs in-home care. However, they are having trouble warming up to the idea, or worse, they are flat out refusing. How do provide help to someone who doesn’t want it? First, you should know that you are not alone. Many older adults fear giving up their independence, and struggle with the idea that they need assistance managing the activities they once performed with ease. So, where do you go from here?

Alzheimer’s Association’s 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, reports an estimated 5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

 Whether one lives near to or far from an older adult, the same challenges and questions apply. What level of care does my loved one need? Can my loved one stay at home? Should my loved one go to an adult residence or day care program?

Susan W’s mom was being discharged from the hospital on Tuesday. A loving daughter but also a busy executive, Susan knew mom shouldn’t be left alone at home – but Susan’s schedule meant she couldn’t be there with mom. Desperate, Susan asked her mom’s doctor for a referral. He directed Susan to the hospital discharge planning department where they gave her “the list”…….. a long list in neat alphabetical order. “Which one do you think I should call”?”, asked Susan. “Oh, we can’t tell you that.” the discharge planner informed her. “You’ll have to make your own decisions.”