7 signs your loved one needs in-home care
Is your loved one showing signs that they need some in-home help? As people age, everyday tasks can become increasingly difficult. Things like personal hygiene, cooking, and running errands can present a challenge to many older adults.
But those who need help are often in denial about their needs. They don’t want to cause problems or make you worry about them. So, they downplay their struggles and pretend that everything is just fine.
Some may even get mad at you for bringing up the topic of an in-home caregiver. Even when they know they need help.
Here are 7 signs your loved one needs in-home care.
7 signs your loved one needs in-home care
This means you will play an important role in determining when help is needed. You need to keep tabs on the situation and watch for red flags. To help you, here are seven warning signs that your loved one may be ready for additional assistance.
1. Increasingly forgetful
Does your loved one repeatedly tell you the same story, with no recollection of early accounts? Are they having trouble remembering which medications they’re taking, or when they took them? Have they missed doctor appointments simply because they forgot they had them scheduled? Are bills piling up, because your loved one forgot to pay them?
Each of these is a sign that some additional help may be needed. Forgetfulness can lead to problems like untreated illnesses, house fires, and financial woes.
2. Changes in cleanliness
Is your loved one looking a little disheveled lately? Are they having trouble getting clean in the shower, or shaving? Is it too difficult for them to change their clothes regularly or keep them laundered?
These changes in personal hygiene can be an indicator that it’s time for some in-home help.
3. Bare Cupboards
Don’t let your loved one turn into Old Mother Hubbard who went to the cupboard and discovered them bare. If you notice lots of empty shelves, or lots of expired food in your loved one’s kitchen, this may mean getting to the grocery store is becoming increasingly difficult.
They may also be forgetting to shop, cook, and even eat. This can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. Always take time to check out the status of your loved one’s kitchen when you’re visiting.
4. Change in personality
Changes in personality are another sign that it’s time for some help. Look for:
- Signs of depression
- Extreme mood swings
- Loneliness
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- A desire to isolate oneself
- Anything that strikes you as out of character or odd for your loved one
These personality differences can be a sign that it’s time for some extra help and company.
5. The condition of the house changes
If your loved one used to keep a reasonably neat house, and it’s now in disarray, something is going on. The physical tasks required to keep a home and yard clean can be too much for many aging seniors. They may not have the energy to mow the lawn as often as before, or to keep the house picked up.
6. Lack of Balance
Have you noticed your loved one stumbling more than usual, or struggling to change between sitting and standing? This could be a sign that their balance is changing. Falls and other injuries can result from this lack of balance.
7. Weight changes
Has your loved one started losing weight? Or are they packing on some extra pounds? Unexplained weight changes can indicate a problem.
Weight loss may mean your loved one isn’t taking time to eat. Or that they are eating a lot less at each meal.
Gaining weight can be a sign that your loved one isn’t as active in the day. Or that they are eating much higher calorie convenience food, so they don’t have to actually cook.
Either way, weight changes are another sign that your loved one is ready for some in-home care.
Do you know someone who is wondering if it’s time to arrange for care for their loved one? Share this article with you so they can keep their eyes out for these seven signs that indicate it’s time.