Since moving several states away from your mom, you’ve made it a point to call her every Sunday morning, without exception. After catching up on what happened over the last week, she always reassures you that yes, she’s eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking her meds, and doing just fine.
However, visiting her in person for a week over spring break paints a different picture. Her once immaculate kitchen is cluttered with a sink full of food-encrusted dishes, junk mail and newspapers. The refrigerator contains spoiled and expired food. And most concerning of all, there’s a scorch mark on the countertop beside the stove.
For family members living at a distance from their older loved ones, these telltale signs that Chicago home care services may be needed are often only evident during in-person visits. Nora Jean Levine, executive director from Caring From a Distance, advises adult children to, 'Open your eyes. Try and really see what's going on and not what you want to be going on.' It’s important to evaluate both the senior's home and the senior herself (for bruises that could indicate falls, signs of depression or confusion, and other personality changes). And in between visits, enlist the assistance of a trusted neighbor or an Aging Life Care Professional to keep an eye on the senior.
Most importantly, the best way to ensure frail older adults are safe and thriving is to partner with a professional Chicago home care agency, such as Independence-4-Seniors Home Care. Providing services such as transportation, medication reminders, assistance with meals and housekeeping, and friendly companionship can make a world of difference in both the life of a senior and the family who loves her. Contact us today to learn more about our Hinsdale and Chicago home care services and how we can help your loved ones stay safe and independent at home.