We all want the best for our aging loved ones. But, we often struggle to decide what we need to do and when, to ensure the best quality of life for our loved ones. Most of our loved ones want to live independently for as long as possible. They may not want to bother or worry family members, and they may downplay the issues they’re having so they remain in control of their lives. If you’re already providing care for an aging loved one, you may feel guilty for asking for the help you need.
Delaying help can increase the risk of falls, failure to take prescribed medicines or to seek necessary medical care, and a lower quality of life.
The experienced team at Atlantic In-Home Care in Port St. Lucie can help. Here are the questions we’re asked most often:
- How do I know if my aging parent needs in-home care in Florida?
- What are the signs that a Florida senior can no longer live alone safely?
- What does in-home care for seniors in Florida include?
- Can Florida in-home care help with medications and daily tasks?
- How much does in-home care cost in Florida?
When you know how to recognize the signs that your loved one needs in-home care, you can act faster to protect their safety, independence, and quality of life.
1. How do I know if my aging parent needs in-home care in Florida?
The easiest way to find out if your loved one needs in-home care is to ask. Even if they don’t answer you directly, they may give you signs that something is wrong by avoiding the question, overexplaining, or becoming defensive. Regardless of the answer, the best way to follow up is to visit your loved one.
When you visit your loved one, look for signs that they may need help. Check to see how they are moving: do they seem unsteady or afraid they might fall? Are they bathing regularly and keeping up with personal hygiene? Is their home relatively clean and uncluttered? Do they have adequate food, and can they prepare it safely?
Look at or ask about medications and medical care. Are their prescriptions current and are they taking them on time? Have they scheduled doctors’ appointments and do they have a safe way to get to their appointments?
If you need help, contact the Atlantic In-Home Care team to discuss scheduling a free in-home assessment for a loved one who lives in St. Lucie, Indian River, or Martin counties.
2. What are the signs that a Florida senior can no longer live alone safely?
There will be signs that your loved one needs help. You might hear about a fall, that they’ve left the stove on and forgotten about it, that they’ve wandered and had difficulty finding their way home, or had some sort of accident while getting into the shower or when driving.
You may see sudden weight gain or weight loss, or signs that they’re not taking care of themselves, such as not wearing clean, appropriate clothes for the weather. Their living space might be cluttered or dusty, and you might find stacks of mail or unpaid bills.
You might notice that medications are out-of-date or that they’re not being taken according to the directions on the label — or at all.
You may get a general sense that something feels off, or notice confusion, memory lapses, or signs of depression or isolation.
Consider speaking with your loved one’s neighbors or friends to get a sense of how they are managing on their own.
For more signs that your loved one in Florida may need in-home care, see the NIH’s list of the top 10 signs your loved one needs in-home care.
3. What does in-home care for seniors in Florida include? Can Florida in-home care providers help with medications and daily tasks?
Atlantic In-Home Care provides 5-star in-home care, including:
- Personal care. Our trusted care home care providers can help with everything from bathing to meals to shopping and errands.
- Homemaking. Our compassionate care providers will clean the home, do laundry, cook, and shop. They’ll keep your loved one company while they work, too.
- Companion care. Loneliness is one of the biggest problems your loved one may face. Our friendly senior helpers will dream up fun activities, accompany your loved one on walks, and drive them to appointments and get-togethers.
- Respite care. If you’ve been caring for someone on your own, one of our trusted care providers can take over to give you a break. Let us remind your loved one to take their medications, help with bathing and meals, and run errands or drive.
We also refer LPNs if your loved one requires skilled nursing support. For more information on what in-home care includes in Florida, visit our website.
4. How much does in-home care cost in Florida?
Most in-home care services are private pay, meaning they’re paid for out of pocket or with private insurance. We can provide 16 hours per week to 24/7 care, typically for $25–30 per hour. There are many, many different ways to pay for in-home care. See our website for a list of some of the many ways you can pay for in-home care in Florida.
We know this is a tough decision. You can see our five-star reviews about how we help families and loved ones improve their quality of life. If you have questions or would like to schedule a free in-home assessment in St. Lucie, Indian River, and Martin counties, contact us at any time (772) 773-6994. We answer our phones 24/7. Or, contact us through the Atlantic In-Home Care online contact form.
