Senior loved ones are often the most important people in our lives. They hold a special place in our hearts, and once they’re gone, we know that our world will be much less complete without them. For many of us, taking care of an aging parent or loved one can be a difficult task that requires both physical and emotional energy from ourselves and from the person we care for. While it can be easy to blame ourselves for not being able to provide enough attention for them, these ten warning signs are sure to let you know when you should seek professional help. Look for these common indicators that a senior loved one may need help at their home or an increased level of care.
10 Warning Signs Your Senior Loved One Needs Home Care
1. Changes in Personality
Some personality changes may be normal in older people, but certain sudden personality changes could signal a bigger problem. These warning signs include drastic changes in behavior from the senior’s usual routine and a complete change from their previous character, such as someone outgoing becoming more quiet or even aggressive. If this change has been sudden and has not changed after a short time period, it is time to seek help for the senior loved one.
2. Cognitive Decline
This warning sign may be alarming, as it refers to a change in memory, concentration, and more serious conditions like dementia. If a senior loved one seems to be having trouble remembering things like the names of friends or caregivers, it is time to seek help. The more time that goes by without improving their ability to remember things will worsen their condition.
3. Illness or Surgical Recovery
If a senior is recovering from surgery or suffering from an illness, they might need more care than usual. Before this happens, you should ask yourself what your loved one’s needs are. For example, if the surgery will require that they stay in the hospital for a week or so and that you’ll need to be there for them when they get home, then you should call in professional help beforehand.
4. Inability to Drive Safely
If your loved one shows complete disorientation when driving, such as not knowing where they are going or even changing lanes when they should, then they may become more accident-prone. If the senior loved one has never been involved in an accident before, they may not be able to tell you if their ability is declining, but if this is the case, you should seek a way to help them.
5. Poor Hygiene
If you find that your loved one is not taking care of themselves properly, such as not showering regularly or brushing their teeth, you need to seek a way to help them. Personal care is a vital part of living, and it is a sign that your loved one needs help when they forget about doing these things.
6. Poor Housekeeping
If you notice that your loved one’s home is beginning to look more like a pigsty than a place where someone lives, then it may be time to step in and help. If the senior loved one cannot keep up with cleaning the house properly for themselves, then it can cause them to feel even more depressed about their appearance and self-image.
7. Poor Nutrition
Seniors need proper nutrition just as other people do, but it is crucial that they eat properly if they live alone. If a senior loved one forgets to eat nutritious meals, they may be tempted to eat spoiled food because they don’t remember it’s gone bad. If they begin to show weight loss or completely stop eating, they may become more susceptible to poor health and even the risk of falls. If this is happening, it is time to seek out a way to help them.
8. Depression & Isolation
These two symptoms are often very similar in senior loved ones, but it can be a crucial sign that things are not going well for them if you notice these changes for a longer period. If the one you care for begins to stop socializing or avoiding invitations from other people for no reason in particular, then it could be a sign that things are not going well and that they need help.
9. Mobility Issues
If your senior loved ones are having trouble walking or holding onto things like they once were, it may mean they need additional help. It is vital to pay attention to how well the seniors can move around and how often they are tripping or falling. If there has been a major change in this behavior for no apparent reason, it is time to help them out.
10. Broken Appliances
If your senior loved one shows some signs of memory loss by forgetting to turn off the stove even though the pot was on fire or leaving the front door open all night long, you should be aware that more problems may be coming in the future. If the senior loved one has trouble remembering things like this, then the chances of more serious incidents increase significantly.
Addressing These Crucial Signs
Many of these crucial signs of aging can be addressed with assistance at home. Usually, providing this care can be hard for family members, who often have challenges to worry about. If family members are unable to assist aging adults, availing of home care services is a viable option.
Home care service is a great alternative to family members who may be able to provide needed care but are struggling with their situations. It can often be a big relief to the senior to have some help and assistance in their daily lives at the comfort of their homes. There are several benefits that come with older adults remaining in the comfort of their own homes. If you are trying to identify if it’s the correct choice for you, consider the following reasons home care is often the better care:
The Benefits Of Home Care For Seniors
- Home Care offers independence – Home care allows older adults to maintain their independence while receiving personalized health care. There is no need for them to leave their home or make any major adjustments to their daily routine. They get the assistance they need from a professional caregiver and continue living in their familiar surroundings.
- Home Care promotes nurturing relationships – In communities where home care is provided, senior citizens are able to remain in their homes and have the comfort of family visits. They can stay close with the people who understand and support them the most. Many of these relationships develop as a result of caregiver caregiving, as they become a part of their senior loved one’s life. The relationship may also happen spontaneously between the senior and the caregiver.
- Home Care maintains dignity – When seniors receive care in their homes, they are able to maintain their dignity. They can keep their home and personal possessions and be treated with respect by their caregivers. Personal dignity is very important for senior loved ones and must be maintained to be happy, healthy, and safe.
- Home Care improves the quality of life – The combination of love, understanding, and personalized care that a senior receives in their homes with home care services is like no other. Many seniors have spent their entire lives learning who they are and have established themselves as strong individuals ready to live out their golden years to the fullest.
Choosing The Best Home Care Service
It is important to find a trustworthy, affordable service that matches the specific needs of both you and your loved one. Wellness Home Care is a great option, as they are dedicated to providing high-quality care for their patients.
They offer different home care packages that can meet all of your and your loved one’s needs. They have live-in or on-call services available, so you can choose which best fits the needs of your loved one. It ensures that you will get the help you need when you need it most.
You can visit Wellness Home Care online or call them at (860)667-2273 to request more information about their services today!
