Signs that Home Care is Needed

Entering a New Year is a time to observe and reevaluate the safety and care of our senior loved ones. Sometimes individuals do not want to admit that they need assistance at home while others may be unaware that care is needed for their loved ones. Knowing and understanding the signs that additional assistance for your loved one is needed can make all the difference.

We have identified six categories of daily life that can show if our loved ones need additional assistance.

Eating Habits

Have you noticed a change in eating habits for your loved one? Any unexplained weight loss? A change in daily eating habits for the elderly could be related to many factors: difficulty cooking, loss of taste or smell, or other underlying conditions. Some seniors may have trouble finding the energy to cook a full meal for themselves while other may find it difficult to grocery shop for themselves. Bringing a caregiver into their home to assist with meal preparation and grocery shopping can relieve a loved one from the difficulty and stress of doing it on their own.

Hygiene

Is your loved one properly taking care of their hygiene? Showering and changing clothes regularly? Failure to keep up with a daily hygiene routine can indicate health problems such as dementia, depression, or physical impairments. A caregiver will provide reminders for your loved one as well as assisting them in completing the tasks daily.

Care of Home

When you visit your loved one, is their home relatively organized and clean? Has clutter piled up in various rooms? It is important to be aware of any big changes occurring in the cleanliness or organization of your loved ones’ home. Neglected housework or dirty dishes is another sign that additional assistance is needed. Our team of caregivers not only assist with personal care tasks but with household tasks as well.

Safety/Mental Attitude

Do you have any safety concerns for your loved one living alone? Have they experienced any recent falls? Have they forgotten to take medicine before? Answering yes to any of these questions indicates that it may not be safe for your loved one to be alone for long periods of time anymore. Not only is safety an indication that additional help is needed but also any decline in social participation. A drastic change in mood or outlook on life could be a sign of depression or other health concerns.

Mobility

Does your loved one have difficulty getting around on their own? Would he/she benefit from some balance assistance? If your loved one is unsteady walking on their own, they may be at a high risk of falling which could cause many more issues. When a caregiver is at home with a senior, they are able to provide balance support and guidance for your loved one, helping limit that fall risk.

Behavior

Is your loved one acting a bit different? Have they been more forgetful lately? Have you noticed changes to your loved one’s behavior? Sometimes a decline in functioning is due to a medication reactions or interactions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, we highly suggest that you bring them to the attention of the senior’s physician and consider additional care at home.

If you have observed any of these behaviors with your loved one, give us a call and we discuss how Open Arms Solutions can help you and your family today!