How to Know When It’s Time to Get Help for Your Aging Parents
As our parents age, we start to notice little things that make us pause, the hesitation on the stairs, the unopened pillbox, or the uncertainty that wasn’t there before. These moments can feel emotional and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide when to step in.
At Wyo Home Health, we walk with families through these turning points every day. Knowing when to bring in home health support isn’t about taking independence away. It’s about protecting health, safety, and quality of life.
Signs It May Be Time to Ask About Home Health
The signs that your parent may benefit from home health are often subtle at first; however, here are some clinically relevant indicators that a physician can use to order home health services:
Recent hospital discharge
Starting new medications
New diagnosis or change in a medical condition
Scheduled for or recovering from surgery
Need for wound care or post-surgical monitoring
Difficulty managing diabetes or other chronic conditions
Notable decline in mobility, balance, or strength
If you recognize one or more of these signs, it may be the right time to talk with your parent and their provider about home health support.
These aren’t signs of “giving up.” They’re signs that your loved one deserves professional, skilled support at home to stay safe and continue living life on their terms.
How to Talk With Your Parent About Home Health
These conversations can feel intimidating, especially when your parent values their independence. A compassionate approach makes all the difference.
Try beginning with reassurance:
“I want you to stay in your home and stay safe. Home health can help make that possible.”
Remind them:
Home health is ordered by their provider,
Provided in their home,
And designed to support independence, not replace it.
Home health allows your parent to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving skilled nursing, physical therapy, and CNA support tailored to their specific medical needs.
Talk to Your Parent’s Provider, They Can Help You Start
A key step is speaking directly with your parent’s doctor, nurse practitioner, or discharge planner. They can evaluate whether your loved one qualifies for home health services and issue an official order.
Ask your provider:
“Would home health help keep my parent safe at home?”
“Can we request an evaluation for skilled home health services?”
“Could you send a referral to Wyo Home Health?”
Most families don’t know this, but you have a choice in your home health provider. Even if a hospital or clinic suggests a certain agency, you can request Wyo Home Health by name.
What Wyo Home Health Can Offer Your Family
Our Medicare-certified, CHAP-accredited team provides:
Skilled nursing
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy (if needed)
Certified nursing assistant support
All delivered directly in your parent’s home, with compassion and respect. We help with medication education, chronic disease management, mobility and strength, wound care, recovery after surgery, and more. All designed to keep your loved one safe and supported.
You Have a Choice And Support Is Here
Caring for aging parents is one of the most meaningful, and challenging, roles we take on. You don’t have to navigate it alone, and neither do they. If you’ve noticed changes and wonder whether home health may help, it’s the right time to ask.
Talk to your provider and request Wyo Home Health.