Why Can’t Seniors Accomplish Daily Tasks
Every week, millions of seniors across the country ages 65 and older are discovering they aren’t able to complete daily tasks, as well as they used to.
This decline in mobility is usually subtle at first, such as forgetting to pay a bill or not keeping up with dirty dishes. Then it may grow more serious, such as leaving food on a hot stove or experiencing a slip and fall in the shower.
When family caregivers discover a pattern of struggles for their elderly loved one, they must begin the difficult conversations on what to do to keep their loved one safe, comfortable and healthy while remaining in their home. Many seek out home care providers to support seniors who want to remain as independent as possible.
But how can family caregivers know when their aging loved ones cannot accomplish daily tasks? It’s difficult for elderly loved ones to ask for help. Many even actively hide the fact that they struggle because they are worried about what it might mean for their future. Here are a few areas where family caregivers can observe their elderly loved ones to assess whether it is time for home care providers in some form.
Here are a few areas where family caregivers should look for clues concerning their elderly loved one’s struggles to stay clean, fed and healthy.
If they notice areas that are subpar, it may be time to hire a home care provider.
Physical Abilities
It’s easy to connect the dots when an elderly relative is experiencing some physical disabilities that would most likely block them from doing daily tasks. Examples include recovering from surgery, poor vision, using a cane or walker, arthritis, incontinence, and early stages of dementia. A doctor’s diagnosis of these or any similar symptoms can be a good indicator that they need help at home.
Personal Hygiene
Often one of the first areas to reveal that an elderly person is challenged, personal hygiene is also easy to spot. Family caregivers should watch for repeat outfits in the same week, body smells, and dirty hair and face. They can also look for soap, shampoo and deodorant use to make sure the products are being used.
Keeping House
Maintaining a healthy and clean environment is important for health and comfort. However, if seniors are unable to keep up with the demands, it could mean they are jeopardizing their health and safety. Common household tasks include paying bills, doing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, washing up dishes, and avoiding clutter.
Food
If an elderly person can no longer shop for food or prepare nutritious meals and snacks, it can have a serious effect on their health and wellness. Family caregivers can look in the refrigerator and in cupboards to ensure there are fresh food and plenty of it.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Carmel, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
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