What To Do If You Need Physical Assistance

The desire to age in place is continuing to grow among older Americans. And thanks to quality at-home care agencies and the support of loved ones, living at home is becoming a safer and more acceptable option. However, even though at-home care is more accessible, seniors need to recognize when they need physical assistance to remain safe and comfortable as they age in place. 

What Is Physical Assistance?

Physical assistance is when a person, often a caregiver, helps someone with physical activities. Physical assistance can vary among people. Some need assistance with basic tasks like cooking and cleaning, while others require hands-on assistance with dressing, grooming, and bathing.

Requiring physical assistance does not mean you have to give up your independence or move to a senior community. Many options, such as at-home caregiving, allow you to receive the help you need to remain safe and comfortable aging at home. 

Causes For Physical Assistance 

Not everyone requires physical assistance as they age. However, there are some risk factors that may increase a person’s need for assistance. 

• Physical Limitations: As you age, your body changes. You may lose muscle strength, flexibility, mobility, or joint range of motion. With limited physical abilities, daily tasks can grow challenging. Physical limitations are more common among individuals with health concerns like heart disease and diabetes. 
• Cognitive Limitations: Some older individuals develop cognitive conditions, such as dementia, that make it challenging to perform daily tasks. 
• Mental Health: Living with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety can make it difficult to care for oneself.

Signs You May Need Physical Assistance 

Not everyone requires physical assistance as they age. However, if you experience the following signs or symptoms, you may want to seek help.

• You find it challenging to do tasks like cooking and cleaning.
• You have difficulties moving around the house.
• You sometimes skip showers or grooming because it takes too much energy.
• You have fallen recently, whether at home or outside. 
• You were recently diagnosed with a chronic health condition. 
• Your loved ones have expressed concerns about you living alone.

What To Do If You Need Physical Assistance

It’s never too late or too early to ask for help. If you think you could benefit from physical assistance, then now is the right time to contact loved ones or professional caregivers for help. 

Caregivers with Visiting Angels can provide physical assistance to clients through our personal care program. Personal care includes assistance with tasks like grooming, dressing, and bathing. Our caregivers can also provide mobility assistance and transportation to help clients navigate their home and neighborhood. 

Clients with various cognitive limitations, including dementia, request our memory care services. These services include the same care as personal care services but with a specialized approach to benefit those with cognitive limitations. 

If you think you or a loved one could benefit from physical assistance with Visiting Angels, please don’t hesitate to contact us.