When to Consider Finding a Care Solution?

What are the Signs a Person May Need Care?

A excellent time to explore care options is when you notice a person's ability to care for themselves beginning to decline. Signs of decline include:

  • Unexplained bruises

  • A decline in personal hygiene

  • Weight loss

  • Changes in mood and behavior

  • Increased clutter in the home

  • Inadequate food supply for proper nutrition

  • Old/ expired food accumulating in the refrigerator or pantry

  • Little to no physical activity

  • Expression of sadness/ loneliness

Those with a dementia diagnosis, complex medical conditions, and individuals that are fall risks can significantly benefit from the 24-hour caregiving services. NorthShore’s live-in caregiving services and technology program can provide effective solutions for older adults in need.

How to Search for the Best Care Option

There are several viable options available to assist in searching for the right care services. Utilize NorthShore’s case management services, A Place for Mom, Caring.com, Care Patrol, and Elderwerks,. They often have a great deal of insight one may not be able to find scrubbing the internet.

What To Consider When Looking for a Provider

Things to consider when choosing care options are: 

  • Is the person in need of care an introvert or an extrovert?

  • Does the facility provide a good social fit for your loved one?

  • Will your loved one be positively impacted by moving into the facility (developing a list of pros and cons with your loved one can help answer this)?

  • What are the facility's staffing ratios - do they employ sufficient staff?

  • What activities and food are offered (these are the biggest concerns we have observed from decades of speaking with patients living in facilities)?

  • The results of state survey findings (these are required to be available to the public at each facility).

  • The experience of other residents at the facility - potentially interviewing other residents at that facility


Red Flags During the Search Process

Red flags to look for are uncleanliness, substantial language barriers between staff and patients, unanswered call lights, unmet needs of the person receiving care, low staffing ratios, and high levels of staff turnover.

Melody Lynch