Bearing witness to behavioral, cognitive or physical changes in a loved one is never easy. It can be very difficult to recognize that he or she might need to transition from complete independence to receiving daily care from a health care professional. Is it time to consider this transition for your loved one? Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Are you concerned about your loved one’s safety when they are home alone?

It could be a concern about physical safety, such as falls, or new difficulties navigating their space. Or maybe it’s cognitive issues — such as increased confusion. Perhaps they are exhibiting signs of dementia. If you have safety concerns, it’s time to think about daytime care options.

Is your loved one isolated?

Social engagement is one of the hallmarks of healthy living. But for many people, cognitive or physical limitations can limit their ability to socialize. If your loved one is home alone most of the time, just watching television, it’s a signal to look into options that will get them out of the house and into a new environment.

Fact: Socializing Improves Health. Caregivers report that the talking and social interaction that occurs when their loved one is at an Adult Day Health Care Center has a direct impact on his or her zest for life and cognitive health.

Are you frustrated?

Answering the same question over and over again. Constantly needing to prompt your loved one or to redirect their behavior. Spending a lot of time on personal care. These increase caregiver frustration, even in the most patient person. Introducing Adult Day Health Care can improve your relationship, as it takes this stress off you. Watch Kathy — one of our caregivers — talk about this very experience.

Fact: Time Apart Is Good for Caregiver Health. Caregivers report their relationships with their loved ones become deeper when they spend some time apart, because they get back together at the end of the day and have meaningful conversations about the day’s events.

Is daily personal care becoming more challenging?

Incontinence and difficulty with daily self-care such as dressing, bathing properly and safe eating could be signs of a larger health issue, such as dementia. It’s important for caregivers to get their loved ones to see a health care professional and have these issues properly diagnosed. Adult Day Health Care can provide daily assistance with some personal care.

Does your loved one have a health issue that requires daily monitoring?

If you’re concerned about their ability to independently administer daily medications, or if they have a health issue that would benefit from daily nursing input, consider Adult Day Health Care.

Do you want to keep them home?

We all want to stay home for as long as possible, no matter our independence issues. With Adult Day Health Care, your loved one stays home and spends the day out socializing with friends and engaging with life. Also, it is significantly more affordable than nursing home care. Talk with one of our experts about the issues you’re concerned about. Our nursing staff has decades of experience and can help families identify resources that will meet their care needs. Contact Jennifer Robinson, our program manager, for a complimentary consultation.