Christmas decorations are now stored away, we have rung in the new year, and even seen our first winter snow here in eastern North Carolina. It is the beginning of 2019 — a brand new start!

We have reflected on the year behind us and are going forth with our New Year’s resolutions. Do not be discouraged if you have eaten that cookie or missed a day at the gym. Why not change your resolution and make it one to do something for others and not yourself? Why not see to it that loved ones are taking care of themselves and living life to its full capacity?

Being with loved ones over the holiday season is wonderful, but can sometimes raise questions and red flags. If we are not with Mom or Grandpa every day, we may not see how life has taken its toll. We may notice things like the house being extremely cluttered, friends not coming by as they used to, changes in personal hygiene and frequent forgetfulness. Home Health embodies so much more than you can imagine and can empower those loved ones who may feel like they have lost themselves somewhere along the way. Learning the signs that your loved one may benefit from Home Health services is the best gift you can give them as well as give yourself.

• Messy Home: When one usually keeps a tidy home that is now a display of boxes, trash, unfolded laundry and stacks of mail on every space available, this can seem alarming. It may seem easier to order things online in bulk so that trips to the store do not have to happen. Are there bills getting paid and taken care of or are they getting lost in translation under piles and piles of other bills? The dis-organization of one’s daily living space is a sign that Home Health may need to be put into place.
• Frequent Falls or Injuries: Seeing new bruises, bumps and cuts can be a sign that there may be more falls and accidents that you or other loved ones are aware of. Balance may not be what it used to be. Your loved one needs to know that there are options in managing these changes with physical or occupational therapy. No one would want to get the call that Grandma couldn’t get to the phone after falling and is no longer with us.
• Daily Activities Become “Chores:” It is an all-day affair to shower, get dressed and run to the corner drug store. An outing such as this then is followed by a five-hour nap and aches and pains. Living life shouldn’t become exhausting or too much to handle. Living one’s life should be exciting and fulfilling every day.
• Social Isolation: When someone who used to look forward to social outings is showing a change in drive to do anything this might also be a sign that the person could benefit from Home Health services. No longer attending church, no longer going to supper club or calling up friends to play cards are all examples of social isolation.
• Being Homebound: When one can no longer drive it can be like taking someone’s dignity way. Think about how it would feel to no longer be able to leisurely hop in the car and go for a drive to the market. How can one be assisted when this has happened? Home Health services can assist in keeping them healthy and teaching them ways to stay “active” around the home.
• Health Issues: Of course, if the doctor diagnosed a new chronic illness or disease, this is a huge change in someone’s life. Education and support is available in managing this new chronic disease. Medication management with Home Health is very beneficial and will make one feel like they have control over their health again.

When you love someone and see that they have a need that must be met, making a resolution to help others instead of yourself is surely easy to keep. Speak up and start the conversation to help a loved one who may need help themselves in living life to the fullest again. There are healthcare professionals there to aid you and answer questions along the way. Home Health services can be such a wonderful benefit to their life. Help them put the right foot forward going into 2019!

Brittany Elks is the community liaison for Vidant Community Home Health and Hospice.