Recognizing the Signs that Your Loved One May Need Help at Home

Home Care in Needham, MA – Look for these Warning Signs and Act Quickly to get the Help your Loved One Needs

If you have elderly parents or an aging family member, you may notice small things they seem to be forgetting or simply ignoring around the house. Maybe the mail has piled up, some medications are not being taken at the correct time, or their hygiene and appearance are not as good as they used to be. These signs may cause you and other family members to become concerned about your loved one.

While many aging adults are quick to assert they are okay – these small problems may be telling signs that a loved one may need help at home. More often than not, the burden falls on the immediate family to recognize these minor symptoms. While things like increased inactivity or memory loss can be common when we age, warning signs like bruises from falling are signs a loved one needs help.

Also problematic is that most seniors will be the last ones to admit they need help of any kind. For most, accepting help from a home care provider means they have lost some of their independence. More commonly, the elderly could be embarrassed or defiant about their condition. 

Warning Signs of Seniors Needing More Help

Instead of hoping it goes away, or ignoring it, close family and friends need to be on the lookout. Some common signs a parent or loved may need home care can include:

• Failure to throw away food by its expiration date
• Unexplained injuries
• Forgetting appointments or dinners with family, friends
• Poor balance when walking or moving about the house
• Inactivity or lack of energy, signs of depression
• Disheveled appearance or wearing the same clothes for several days
• Uncleanliness in the house, especially if your loved one is a clean or organized person
• Overall decline in grooming and caring for their appearance
• Refusal to talk about health issues, mixing up doctor prescribed medications
• Problems with the bank account or late payments
• Evidence of minor falls or injuries, or a major injury requiring hospitalization or treatment
• Extreme mood changes and eating habits

Unfortunately, there can be many different warning signs an elderly parent or loved one needs assistance. One important rule to remember is to keep an eye out for any subtle changes in routine. While people’s interests and hobbies change over time, severe changes are usually a sign of mental or physical problems needing to be addressed by a doctor. If you’re worried about your elderly loved one, you should talk to their physician about anything unusual. 

Usually, a trained caregiver is the best option. A caregiver can help with personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, making appointments, help to and from the bathroom or out of bed, and much more. Avoid the devastating affects of a fall at home or missed medication by hiring home care at the first sign your loved one is struggling at home.