How to Determine What Services My Loved One Needs

Home care services can enhance health and quality of life by helping the senior maintain independence. The type of home care service needed depends on factors such as mental and physical health, available support from family or friends, and whether the senior lives at home or in a facility that provides some types of assistance. Home care services can range from help with chores to professional health care and rehabilitation.

You may consider home care services if a loved one needs assistance because:

• The senior is less able to care for yourself as you get older.
• The senior has a disability.
• The senior is recovering from an illness, surgery or a hospital stay.
• The senior is living with a chronic illness.
• The senior has a terminal illness.

Here are some health care professionals and organizations that can provide assistance in evaluating your loved one's needs and help identify the most appropriate type of home care provider:

• Family physician
• Hospital discharge planner
• Social service organizations, such as your local Area Office on Aging