Do you have loved ones who would benefit from professional in-home nursing care? If that is the case, then you might want to hire a nurse. And if you cannot tell whether it is the right time to do it, we are here to help you out!
In this article, you will find a list of signs that your loved one needs to be cared for by a professional nurse, ranging from suffering from changes in mobility and having issues with personal hygiene to changing eating habits and living in a messy house. Additionally, we will give you advice on how to hire a nurse. Let’s get started.
Mobility Issues
When we talk about mobility changes, we tend to think of those related to old age. However, this is not always the case. For instance, an unfortunate accident can significantly limit one’s ability to move around at any age.
Whichever is your case, if your loved one is experiencing some kind of loss of mobility, you should consider hiring a professional home carer or nurse. Be on the lookout for worrying signs such as:
- Constantly tripping over objects.
- Inability to stand up without the assistance of another person.
- A greater need for help moving from one room to another.
Issues with Personal Hygiene
If you have noticed that your loved one struggles with daily hygiene, it might be the right time to hire a nurse. The signs that your loved one is having trouble with personal hygiene may include:
- A strong body odor and a messy appearance (for example, tangled hair and dirty nails).
- Wearing unwashed clothes even on special occasions when people would usually get dressed up (e.g., going to the church).
- Using the bathroom less frequently than usual.
Changing Eating Habits
If your loved one is experiencing sudden changes in eating habits or is eating less than usual, consider hiring a nurse. With professional care always at hand, they might be more inclined to eat their meals regularly. Additionally, a friendly regular nurse can monitor the patient’s eating habits and advise them regarding the meals they should be eating.
Changing one’s eating habits can signify health issues such as dehydration, malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, or ulcers in the stomach or intestine. As such, you should never treat it lightly and act as soon as you spot the first signs of this problem.
A Messy House
If your loved one cannot clean their house, it can be a sign that you need to hire a nurse. As no one likes to live surrounded by dirt, you should do it immediately after you notice that the level of mess in your loved one’s home has increased dramatically.
Please do not wait until their house looks like a disaster zone. Instead, hire a nurse who can help keep the house clean and free of harmful bacteria and germs.
How to Hire a Nurse for Your Loved Ones?
Now that you know what signs indicate that your loved one needs to be cared for by a professional nurse, you might be wondering how you can hire one. Here are the steps that will help you out:
Step 1: Search for Home Care Agencies
The first step is to search for home care agencies in your area. You can get assistance with this step from your doctor or any other medical professional. Another source of information is the Internet. If you are unsure where to start, you might want to consult the local phone directory or search on Google.
Step 2: Meet the Nurse
Once you find an agency you are interested in, set up an appointment for you and your loved one to meet the nurse who is willing to be working with you. You should schedule this appointment when your loved one is feeling healthy and is in a good mood. At the interview, a nurse will tell you more about their services and how they handle situations at home. It is also the time when you get to ask questions and get answers to all your concerns.
Step 3: Get References
Always ask for references from the agency or the nurse. These references should come from people who have used the company’s services or the nurse before in a similar situation. If you are not happy with the answers you receive, it might be better to hire someone else.
Step 4: Hire a Nurse
If everything looks good, then hire a nurse and let them take care of your loved one! All you need to do is ask for updates on your loved one’s health now and then — from both the nurse and the doctor. This way, you will always stay informed of the situation.
Conclusion
When it comes to taking care of your loved ones, hiring a nurse can be a tough decision to make. However, more often than not, it turns out to be the right one. Luckily, there are many home care agencies available today that you can contact.
Remember to watch out for the signs that we mentioned in the article. Additionally, follow the steps we listed when you decide that a nurse is what you need. If you do everything right, you should be able to take the best care of your loved one. Good luck!
When Is the Right Time To Hire a Nurse for Your Loved Ones? is a feature post
