Aging is an inevitable process that many of us have to go through. Unfortunately for some, aging can be quite difficult to deal with. Some seniors have health concerns that make it more challenging for them to remain in their homes which puts them at risk of wandering off and getting lost. The senior might need someone like a home health nurse when this happens. They specialize in administering treatments and monitoring your loved one’s health care needs while looking after the rest of the house, so you don’t have to worry about tending yourself while they’re at work.

Many signs would indicate it would be best for your loved one to have a home nurse. We at Serenity Senior Care understand the importance of being proactive as a family member. We know that excuses and avoidance all add to a higher risk for your senior loved one. That’s why we created this article to inform you how to identify the signs that you need a home health care nurse for your senior loved one. But first, let us know what a home health nurse is and what they do.

What is a Home Health Nurse?

A home health nurse is a medical professional trained to provide care for those in their homes. They’ll be responsible for administering treatments and monitoring your loved one’s health care needs. The point of hiring a home nurse is to relieve the senior center and family members of their daily tasks and have time to rest without worrying about how their loved one is doing. Hiring a home nurse can also be quite beneficial in preventing accidents, as they will pay closer attention to your loved one’s needs.

An important role of the nurse is to assess any potential risks before they become bigger problems or even possible tragedies. It is easier if the caregiver is living with the senior to take note of specific details and act accordingly. A home nurse will also be responsible for providing basic care to your loved one, such as administering treatments, monitoring health status, ensuring safety at home, and reporting necessary changes to their physician or family members.

At Serenity Senior Care, we have Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) who have the ability to administer IV medications and even treat patients who have suffered from a stroke or heart attack. They can also check blood pressure and administer vaccines, complete checkups, and various treatments. We offer home health services to our clients, so they remain at home for as long as possible.

6 Vital Signs You Need a Home Health Nurse for Your Senior Loved One

1. Accidents May Happen Often

If you notice that your elderly loved one is suffering from a sudden increase in accidents, this could be an indication that their health is declining. Perhaps you see them running into objects around the house more often or falling when getting out of bed. If so, you may consider hiring a home care nurse.

2. Change in Eating Habits

Eating is one of the most basic and important daily needs for senior adults. Even the slightest change in what they eat, how they eat, or when they eat can be an indication that something is wrong. If you notice your senior loved one eating less and not participating in regular meals anymore, it’s time to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.

This change in eating habits could indicate that they are aging, and it’s time to find a way to boost their immune system. It can be done through taking multiple vitamins, eating foods rich in antioxidants, and sleeping enough. And to address all of these, you may need to hire a home health care nurse. A home health nurse will be able to help your senior loved one maintain their health and prevent further problems.

3. Diminished Activity Levels

When your loved one is struggling physically and mentally, you may begin to see them become inactive and withdrawn. You may notice your senior loved ones stop doing activities they once loved. For example, you may notice them struggling to do simple things around the house, like folding laundry or making a simple meal. It could be an indication that your loved one is developing a mental illness or dementia.

You should immediately consider hiring a home health nurse for your senior family member if this is the case. A home health nurse can help your senior loved one regain their ability to live independently.

4. Having Trouble With Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is an essential part of daily living in a healthy manner. If you notice that your loved one is having trouble with personal hygiene, this could be an indication of a serious medical condition. For example, if you notice that your loved one’s odor has changed recently or seem to have lost interest in keeping themselves clean and presentable, this may indicate a problem. If this happens, it’s time to call a home health nurse. Personal hygiene care is given a lot of emphasis in a home health nurse’s daily routine.

5. House is a Mess

Home maintenance is another critical aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you notice that there’s clutter everywhere in your loved one’s home, this could be an early sign of a mental decline. It’s also an indication that your loved ones’ life is becoming harder and harder to manage on their own. If this is the case, it’s time to start looking for ways to improve their quality of life. A home health nurse could be just the thing you need to help your loved one cope with the stress of managing their household.

6. Decrease in Social Life

If your loved one is having a hard time getting around and lacking interest in socializing, this could indicate a larger problem developing. If you notice your senior loved one isolating themselves or avoiding participation in community events and activities, it’s probably time to start looking for help. A home health nurse can provide the proper medical care to your loved ones, allowing them to live fulfilling lives. They can encourage their social activity and provide the necessary care to get around in their community to stay active.

If you have a loved one suffering from a decline in health and it’s affecting them emotionally and physically, you may find yourself overwhelmed by trying to figure out the best way to help them. A home health nurse is trained to help your loved one get through difficult times. But how can you find a reliable and trusted home health nurse that will provide the quality care possible? To help you out, you may consider the following tips in finding a home health nurse.

5 Important Tips for Finding a Reliable Home Health Nurse

1. Certifications of the Company or Individual

When searching for a reliable agency or home health nurse, you’ll want to ensure they have the proper certifications. These certifications can be the difference between getting a great home health nurse or choosing someone who has no experience in the field. The two main certifications usually required are for certified nursing assistants and registered nurses.

2. Types of Services Provided

Consider hiring a home health nurse that offers a variety of services. Each patient has unique requirements for their daily routine. Select a home health nurse who can provide different services based on the client’s health status. For example, if your loved one needs aid to help them bathe, cook or take their medications on time, you will have to find a home health nurse who is fully capable of taking care of these tasks. It will be beneficial for everyone involved in the home health nurses or home health agency services are versatile. It will give your family a sense of peace of mind and provide independence for the senior.

3. Reliable Work Experience

When looking for a home health nurse, you’ll want to make sure they have a reliable working history. You want to find a home health agency or individual that has been in the field for years. The longer the employee has been working, the more experience they will have with patients of all ages and needs. This expert level of knowledge can guarantee that your loved one will receive medical help without doubts about their care or symptoms being missed or misunderstood. Most reputable home health agencies like Serenity Senior Care require all employees to complete background checks. It is to ensure that they are safe to be around your loved ones.

4. Check Reviews About Services Offered by the Home Health Care Agency

Before choosing a home health agency or home health nurse, check out reviews about the company online. If there are negative comments, this could be a red flag. However, when you look at positive reviews from clients, it should be easy to determine which home health agency or home healthcare provider is right for you.

5. Superb Communication Skills and Compassionate

A reliable home health nurse will be able to communicate well with your loved one. They should also have a great level of compassion that they can provide for your senior loved one. It can be the difference between a professional caregiver that understands your needs and wants to help you or someone who is just doing their job and takes no interest in you at all. Your family deserves a home health agency or individual who is fun and caring towards them.

Final Thoughts

A home health nurse is an important asset to your loved one. They can provide your seniors with the proper care they need as they age and help you with any questions that you may have about their health and well-being. Finding the best home health agency or individual takes a lot of research and can be quite daunting. However, learning what to look for in a home health nurse helps the transition run smoothly into their new routine.

Serenity Senior Care has reliable and compassionate home health nurses and certified nursing assistants who can help your loved one get through difficult times. Our staff works hard to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible. If you would like to know more about how we can help your family, call us today at 973-338-0124.

6 Important Signs You Need a Home Health Nurse for Your Senior Loved One