How to Get Home Health Care For Your Parents in Western Massachusetts

As our parents age, they often insist they don’t need any help around the house or with their own personal care. This is a sentiment many adult children hear that is often tied to a strong desire to remain independent and avoid the idea of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, as time goes on, we may start noticing that they could use a bit of extra assistance, whether it's with daily household tasks, managing medications, or simply having someone around for companionship, especially after the loss of a spouse. 

Recognizing signs that dad or mom might need some extra help may be worrisome, but addressing them is essential to ensure their safety and overall well-being. When it comes to finding the kind of support that meets their needs, home care near you offers a compassionate solution that respects their independence and choice to age in place. Many families find that an at-home caregiver, like those we connect clients with at Visiting Angels, provides the ideal balance. Home care for parents offers the help they need while allowing them to continue enjoying the comfort and familiarity of their own home. 

At Visiting Angels, we understand how important it is to ensure that mom and dad receive the best at-home care and help, even if they feel they can still manage on their own. Our goal is to make the home care for parents process as comfortable and seamless as possible, so families can have peace of mind. To help, we provide information on the steps on how to get home health care for aging parents, from assessing their needs to understanding different care options and matching them with a compassionate home caregiver in Western Massachusetts. We’re here to guide you through the process of home care for parents, so they can receive respectful, quality care that supports their independence and well-being at home.

JUMP TO: Do Your Parents Need Home Health Care? | Signs Your Parents Need In-Home Care | Home Care For Parents | Why Choose Visiting Angels?

Do Your Parents Need Home Health Care?

At Visiting Angels, we understand how important it is to ensure that mom and dad receive the best at-home care and help, even if they feel they can still manage on their own. Our goal is to make the home care for parents process as comfortable and seamless as possible, so families can have peace of mind. To help, we provide information on the steps to arrange home health care for aging parents, from assessing their needs to understanding different care options and matching them with a compassionate home caregiver in Western Massachusetts. We’re here to guide you through the process, so your parents can receive respectful, quality care that supports their independence and well-being at home.

If your parents need help with day-to-day care at home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by concerns about their safety and well-being, especially if they’re frail or trying to manage a health condition. Worrying about their needs can make it difficult to focus on other important aspects of your life, whether it’s your career, caring for your own family, or living far away. Many adult children wish to support their aging parents but face real challenges in doing so, such as coordinating and attending medical appointments, ensuring they take medications per their doctor’s instructions, or assisting with tasks around the house. These responsibilities are not always easy to balance on top of the ones already in your life, making professional home care a valuable option to make sure mom and dad receive consistent, compassionate support tailored to their needs.

Signs Your Parents Need In-Home Care

Here are the most common signs your parents need in-home care in Western Massachusetts:

• Poorly Maintained House - If mom and dad’s house is looking more cluttered or messier than usual, it may be time to consider help through at-home care. Look for issues like dishes that need to be done, unclean bathrooms, broken appliances, tangled cords, or other potential signs that can indicate they’re struggling with home upkeep.
• Recent Diagnosis of an Illness - A recent medical diagnosis, whether it’s a chronic illness or a new health condition, can be a sign they need in-home health care. Trained home caregivers can help with medication reminders, monitoring symptoms, and offering support for conditions like:
• Cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Post-surgery recovery
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Neurological conditions
• COPD and other respiratory illnesses
• Recovering from an Injury - If mom or dad is recovering from a recent injury, home care can provide customized support as they heal. This can include helping them get around the home, transportation to and from appointments, and helping prepare meals. When they’re fully recuperated, they can easily adjust or cancel their home care services based on their recovery needs.
• Poor Hygiene - Noticeable changes in personal hygiene may mean they’re having trouble with daily household tasks. This can look like infrequent showers, skipped laundry, or worn and unkempt clothing.
• Mood Changes or Swings - If mom or dad are acting differently, such as showing signs of depression, loneliness, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, this may indicate a need for companionship and support through home care.
• Frequent Falls or Injuries - If they’re often falling or holding onto furniture for balance when moving through their home, it’s a good sign that additional support is needed for their safety. Falls are a serious risk for seniors, and a home caregiver in Western Massachusetts can assist with safety, mobility, and preventing future injuries, giving you peace of mind.

Home Care For Parents - What Are My Options?

When it comes to finding the right home care for your parents, there are two main options: hiring an independent caregiver vs home care agency. While there are many registries to hire a private caregiver, working with a home care agency when hiring care for mom at home brings added layers of security, reliability, and support. Agencies carefully screen, train, and manage the caregivers they connect with their clients, ensuring that they are experienced, trustworthy, and ready to adapt to your loved one’s specific needs. Additionally, if a caregiver becomes unavailable due to illness or emergency circumstances, agencies can quickly provide a replacement, so there’s never a lapse in care. Therefore, you never have to worry about whether there is someone to care for you or your loved one. For families wanting consistent, flexible, and professionally managed support, a home care agency, like Visiting Angels, often provides the peace of mind they’re looking for.

In addition to at-home care, you may also consider home health care services, which provide essential medical support right in your parent’s home. Home health care professionals, such as licensed nurses or physical therapists, can assist with various medical needs. At Visiting Angels, we work in close coordination with home healthcare providers to ensure that your mom or dad receives the best care. By collaborating, we can offer a well-rounded home care support system that combines medical care with compassionate daily assistance, ensuring that your loved one stays safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

Why Choose Visiting Angels to Care for Mom at Home in Western Massachusetts?

If you’re seeking nearby home care for your parents, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Visiting Angels. We understand how important it is to find the right support for your mom or dad, and we’re here to help make this decision as easy and reassuring as possible. To get started, we offer a free in-home consultation, where we’ll take the time to assess your parents’ unique needs and discuss the customizable care options available. This consultation allows us to create a personalized care plan that prioritizes their needs and preferences, ensuring they receive compassionate, high-quality home care in Western Massachusetts. Let us help you find the peace of mind you deserve by contacting Visiting Angels today to schedule your free consultation.

"A near fatal car accident left my father living in a nursing home for the remainder of his life. Dad was always very social and liked chatting with anyone who would sit with him. It was great to work with Sue and Visiting Angels to provide dad with much needed help and social interaction. The time Visiting Angels spent with Dad definitely had a positive impact on his life. My family and I are very thankful for their support."

– Todd M. (More reviews here)