Admitting the need for help and accepting assistance is not easy for people as they age. The responsibility often falls on family members to recognize the signs that an aging loved one might need support with completing daily living tasks.
How do you know if it is time for in-home care? Look for the red flags listed below.
Changes in Physical Function and Mental Status
Difficulty keeping track of time
Sleeping for most of the day
Poor diet or weight loss
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Difficulty getting up from a seated position
Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility
Unexplained bruising or injuries
Marks or wear on walls, door jams, furniture and other items being used to help with stability while walking through the home
Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
Forgetfulness, including forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect dosages
Missing important appointments
Consistent use of poor judgment (e.g. falling for scams or sales pitches, giving away money)
Changes in Personal Hygiene
Unpleasant body odor
Infrequent showering or bathing
A strong smell of urine in the house or on clothing
Noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care (e.g. unkempt hair, untrimmed nails, lack of oral care, wearing dirty or stained clothing)
Neglecting Household Responsibilities
Little or no fresh, healthy food in the fridge
Dirty house and/or extreme clutter
Dirty laundry piling up
Stains or wet spots on furniture or carpet
Spoiled food that doesn’t get thrown away
Stacks of unopened mail or an overflowing mailbox
Late payment notices, bounced checks and calls from bill collectors
Utilities being turned off due to missed payments
Unexplained dents and scratches on their car
Hiring a Home Care Company
If these signs are present, it doesn’t necessarily mean a move to assisted living or a nursing home is required. However, these red flags do indicate that daily supportive care is needed.
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