Accepting help as we age is difficult, but if we know the signs, we can be better prepared to offer help when it is necessary. It’s our responsibility, as family and loved ones, to keep watch for these signs when they appear.
Here are 25 signs that your senior loved one needs in-home care:
Changes in Physical and Mental Function
When we age, we often start to lose control of our physical and mental abilities. These things do not always deteriorate completely. However, even forgetfulness can be dangerous, for example, when life-saving medication is involved. Keep your eyes open for these signs in your loved one:
- Excessive sleep or odd sleeping patterns
- Weight loss
- Trouble keeping track of time
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Mood swings
- Difficulty with balance or mobility
- Difficulty standing
- Unexplained injuries
- Confusion during everyday tasks
- Missed appointments
- Forgetfulness
- Poor judgment
Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is another sign that your loved one needs care. Here are a few common signs to look for:
- Strong smell of urine on clothing or in the house
- Body odor
- Declining grooming habits, such as messy hair, long fingernails, etc
- Trouble showering or bathing
Neglect of Household Tasks
Living alone requires a lot of work, even when you’re retired. If your loved one exhibits any of these signs, you might want to consider getting them help:
- Cluttered or dirty living space
- No healthy food in the refrigerator
- Excessive dirty laundry
- Stains on furniture or carpet
- Overflowing mailbox or excessive unopened mail
- Rotting food
- Late payments or financial troubles
- Unexplained dents in vehicle
- Discontinued utility service from missed payments
Signs a Senior Needs Home Health Care Services: Does Your Loved One Need Help?
We are all forgetful sometimes. We all have accidents and get confused. However, when these types of things happen multiple times per week, that’s when you know something needs to change.
If some of these signs are present, your loved one might need help taking care of himself or herself. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a nursing home or assisted living facility is necessary. In-home care allows your loved one to continue living at home while protecting them from injury and poor health.
Ready to start discussing in-home care with your loved one? Get in touch with Granny NANNIES at (305) 591-1818 today. We offer a free in-home care consultation.