When a Loved One Needs Additional Care
Blog post
I hope you had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, especially those that you don’t get to see as often as you’d like. One of the best parts of the Christmas and New Year holiday is that we tend to use our time a little differently than we usually do, focusing more on family, reflecting on the year past, and preparing for the new year ahead.
This is also the time of year when many families who have not seen their aging loved ones since last Christmas come to find that there has been a significant decline in health. This can be a troublesome experience.
If you haven’t previously spoken with your loved one about their plans and wishes for additional care, now may be the time to do so. Involving other family members is typically a good idea. Not only do they care about your loved one’s well being, but their input and support will be very important along the way.
Conversations about needing additional care can be challenging. An evaluation from a health care professional is very beneficial. The evaluation will help determine the severity of the issue, and give a better idea of how much time you have to take action. Additionally, a conversation with a professional helps to open effective dialog between you and your loved one.
It’s important to remember that, while addressing an issue like this may feel overwhelming, there are cost-free resources available to you. Aside from your own family, you have a family of health care professionals that specialize in aiding your family through transitions like this. Reaching out to any one of us is a great first step in determining your options.
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