Several signs suggest that you or a loved one may benefit from some extra help at home. You might struggle to complete everyday tasks or notice that a senior relative is finding life more challenging than before.
Although diverse situations can indicate a need for in-home care, common signs include:
Decreased mobility: Trouble moving around can make it tough to complete routine activities of daily living. Mobility issues also have safety impacts and create barriers to running errands or socializing. Related health concerns include malnutrition, depression and fall-related injuries.
Declining hygiene and grooming: Physical or cognitive impairments can affect personal care routines, such as bathing, shaving and brushing the teeth.
Physical changes: Significant weight loss may indicate that your aging parent is struggling to prepare meals for themselves, get around the kitchen or remember how to cook. Frequent bruising might point to falls, and you may notice that your loved one appears frailer or more infirm.
Increased forgetfulness: Increasing incidents of forgetfulness, especially concerning vital tasks such as taking medication or paying bills, often suggest a need for support.
Difficulty maintaining the home: Various aging-related factors create challenges with domestic chores. Look for uncharacteristic dust or grime, unclean clothes, excessive clutter or piles of dirty dishes.
Less interest in hobbies: Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities may indicate several underlying issues, including depression. In-home aides ensure that your loved one follows treatment plans and has regular social interaction, while also lightening their daily load.