According to AARP, 87 percent of adults 65 and older wish to remain in their current home and community as they age. This trend, commonly called aging in place, enables seniors to maintain independence and remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. If your parent or loved one plans to age in place, it is important to ensure safety in their home. For seniors aging in place, home health care can be a beneficial treatment option. Homecare RN, Amy Chandler, explains some indicators your parent or loved one may need home health care. Difficulty managing medications Chandler explains home health care can be beneficial because it can help patients establish a medication journal. This helps patients to know when to take medication, the appropriate quantity, and prevents medication errors. Chronic illness or prolonged recovery from recent illness Chandler recommends that if you have a complicated illness to "voice your concerns with your physician. Once you get your physician on board with home health care, you may be eligible for palliative care (which can help with symptom management), and they can connect you with community resources, such as local Council on Aging services." Unexpected falls Chandler adds, "Home health care is beneficial because patients learn to adapt to their home setting. We can also educate patients on how to prevent falls." Frequent or recurrent ER visits She also explains, "It is hard to teach seniors to manage their illnesses and medications in a hospital setting. Patients may be confused and pain. There may be lots of noises and distractions; it is easier for patients to learn to manage illnesses and medications at home." Missing doctor appointments If a patient is unable to get a doctor's appointment, he or she may be missing crucial information: there may be a need for medication adjustments, there may be an undiagnosed health issue that can progress over time, and missed appointments may mean patients do not voice their medical concerns to their physicians. McLaren Homecare, helps patients get better, regain independence and remain safely where patients are most comfortable-at home. For more information on our home health care program, or to see if you or a loved one qualify for home health care, call (866) 323-5974.