Prioritize the Well-Being of Aging Loved Ones This Holiday Season
Common health problems to watch for
The holiday season is in full swing, and the Knute Nelson team recognizes the importance of home and family during this season. While this is a time for togetherness and celebration, it also serves as a reminder to prioritize the well-being of our aging loved ones.
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, it is important to be alert and recognize changes in the health status of your aging family members. This blog will walk through the indicators for home health care and hospice. As well as common health problems to watch for and when it is appropriate to get help.
How to know if home health care is right for your loved one
Some key changes that might indicate home health care would be a good fit for your loved one include:
- Changes in medication
- Frequent hospital visits
- Increased frequency of falls
- New medical diagnoses
- Exacerbation of existing medical conditions
- Recent decline in functional status
Knute Nelson Home Health Care offers a variety of services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, skilled nursing, personal care and companionship, in-home technology, and more. If you are noticing any of the above, take our free online assessment. This will help you learn more about your loved one’s care needs and determine if home health care might be a good fit.
When is it time to consider hospice care?
A few things that indicate it might be time to consider hospice care include:
- Life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease progression runs its natural course
- Patient desires comfort rather than aggressive treatment or interventions
- Frequent or recent hospitalizations
- Presence of multiple co-morbidities ie: COPD, CHF, dementia, etc.
- Weight loss and/or recurrent infections
The goal of Knute Nelson Hospice is to enrich the quality of life for individuals during the final days, weeks or months of life. Hospice offers support and comfort to individuals and their families. This includes bereavement support, life-enriching services, and more. Take our free online assessment to learn if it is the right time to consider hospice care for your loved one.
Knute Nelson can help address common health problems
If you recognize any of the above changes in your loved one’s health, Knute Nelson Home Health Care and Hospice can help. Reach out to our team by calling 1(844) 930-3775 or fill out an online form. Together, we can prioritize the health and well-being of your loved one and enrich the quality of their life. Happy Holidays from the team at Knute Nelson!
Published December 13th, 2023
Meet the author
Alyssa Rohloff is a seasoned healthcare leader with over a decade of expertise in home health care. She currently serves as the Vice President of Home and Community Based Services for Knute Nelson. A graduate of North Dakota State University, Rohloff holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, complemented by a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.
Throughout her career, which has been exclusively centered on the home health care sector, Rohloff has passionately championed the cause of enabling individuals to maintain their independence at home. While leveraging the power of home health care services such as nursing, therapy, and caregiving. Her dedication to improving the lives of those she serves is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community.
