If you have a family member who is finding it more difficult to manage daily tasks in the home, or  you worry about the health and safety of your loved one living alone, here are some guidelines that may help you.  An assessment can lead to solving problems and allowing a family member to remain independent longer. Learning how to assess their needs will make it easier to know when, and how, to help.

7 signs that a family member may need help:

Forgetting to take medications. Or forgetting to fill prescriptions on a regular basis.

Weight Loss.Losing weight can be a sign that a person is not eating a nutritious diet.

Signs of scorching on the bottoms of pots and pans. This can be a sign of short-term memory loss and, of course, can also be a fire hazard.

The house is cluttered or unkempt. The refrigerator is filled with spoiled food and the laundry is piling up.

General tasks are not completed. Mail is not getting opened and bills are not getting paid. Balancing the checkbook may have become overwhelming.

Personal hygiene is deteriorating. Look for signs of sloppy appearance, wearing the same clothes every day or infrequent bathing.

Feelings of isolation or depression. Lack of interest in outside friendships, activities or hobbies.

We think of Aging in Place as those services and conveniences that will make it possible for older people to be able to stay in their homes where they have been living over the past years. People are living longer now than ever before, and though they may not require medical care, they may require more help with everyday tasks. For example, a person who has macular degeneration is not sickly, but they are probably unable to drive. Another example is a woman who has developed an arrhythmia. She isn’t sick; however, she would benefit from someone who could cook a meal for her, do some housekeeping, and help her with other tasks that have been affected by her reduced stamina.

YES. When you hire a Town & Country Caregiver, that person is YOUR employee, you are in control, and you and your family will have the same Caregiver helping you every day that you arrange. Your Caregiver will become thoroughly familiar with your needs, and the care recipient and caregiver will be able to develop a strong relationship. This is a true long term solution.

Because you are the employer, you are directly paying and managing your Caregiver. This reduces the chances of miscommunications and resentments over any disparity between what you are paying and what the Caregiver is earning.

All of our Caregivers have at least 3-5 years of professional, in-home experience as a Caregiver.

Yes. Every one of our candidates has been pre-screened and extensively interviewed in person in our offices. We run thorough best-in-industry background checks, and we personally speak with each of a candidate’s employment references. We provide you with all the results, in writing, for your review before you make a decision.

Yes. We offer a wide range of experienced, professional Caregivers for you to chose from. You have the option to interview and trial Caregivers to ensure that they are a perfect match for you and your household.

We offer great candidates for backup, last minute or temporary coverage, whether you hired through us or not. All of our candidates are pre-screened, experienced and professionals in their field.

We do not insure or bond Caregivers you meet through Town & Country. When you hire through us, you become the employer. Generally coverage is available (or already provided) through your Homeowners or Umbrella Liability insurance policies – and at a lower total cost than can be obtained by online or home care agencies. Contact us and we can give you more information on these terms.

We do not offer this service through our company.  We do, however, recommend our partner, Breedlove and Associates, Inc. Contact us for more information on payroll management.