how to handle home care nursing staff

Many families know eventually they will need home health care services for a loved one. This may be due to their loved ones' age. It may also be due to an illness you know will become progressively worse. With this in mind, you may be wondering what the signs are for needing this type of care. Here are some ways to know when you need to call a home health caregiver and how they can offer assistance to your loved one. 

Forgetting Medication

Forgetting to take your medication is something that happens to most people at one point or another. However, if your loved one begins to not only forget to take their medications, but also forget if they took them it can be a problem. This can greatly affect their heart and other health conditions they may have. There are several ways to combat this, such as making a check-off sheet, but even then it can be forgotten. A home health caregiver will perform what is called medical management. This will be a way of logging what medication your loved one is taking, when they took it, how much, and if refills are needed. 

Fall Risk

If your loved one has decent mobility, but suddenly begins falling, then they may need home health care. Having a loved one that is a fall risk can be scary for everyone involved, especially for them. This type of risk can happen at any time for any reason. They may feel lightheaded or have vertigo. Your loved one also may become lightheaded when standing or sitting down. This can all lead to fall risk. With a home health caregiver, you have someone who has been notified of the risk and can ensure someone is with your loved one to prevent these possible falls. 

Sleep Issues

There are times when your loved one may have issues with sleep. These issues can be everything from sleepwalking to having severe sleep apnea. If your loved one has been diagnosed with severe cases that could cause them harm, then you need to have an overnight home health caregiver. They can monitor the loved one on a routine basis and ensure they are sleeping and breathing normally. They can also help the loved one if they try to get up on their own or have sudden onset mobility issues. 

These are just a few ways to know when it is time to call your home health caregiver or service office. They can discuss your loved one's health, including mental wellness and emotional wellness. They will then match up your loved one with one of the available caregivers. If you need further caregiver assistance, such as overnight assistance, contact your caregiving service provider. They can discuss this with you and help you determine the best options for your loved one. 

Contact a local facility like A Nurse's Touch Healthcare Inc.