The ability to continue living independently is a source of pride for seniors, and it can cause them to avoid mentioning the challenges they face at home. While it may be difficult to think of your parent getting older, the truth is your aging loved one may need more help than you think. Keep an eye out for these seven signs your loved one needs home care so you can make the right decisions for his or her continued wellbeing.
1. Disheveled Appearance
When someone doesn’t feel well, personal hygiene is often the first thing to get neglected. Your loved one may have stopped bathing if he or she is afraid of falling in the tub or shower. During your visits, make sure your loved one is clean and well groomed. If not, your parent may prefer to have a professional caregiver help with bathing rather than risk getting injured.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior Home Care. San Diego seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable caregivers.
2. Frequent Injuries
A senior who sustains a serious injury due to a fall obviously needs home care. However, your loved one may have more subtle injuries that go unnoticed until you add them all up. A cut on the hand may have occurred when preparing a meal, and new bruises could be from multiple falls your loved one didn’t mention. Ask your loved one about any injuries you notice, and discuss how having someone help in the house can prevent them from happening.
3. New Auto Accidents & Traffic Violations
You should be concerned if your loved one’s perfect driving record suddenly gets marred by things such as car accidents and citations. In some cases, driving difficulties could be a sign your loved one needs help with vision impairment or hearing loss. Make sure to have your parent’s health evaluated, and be prepared to make transportation arrangements if these issues aren’t correctable with glasses or hearing devices.
4. Spoiled or Insufficient Food in the House
Seniors who live alone may have food that spoils simply because they cannot eat enough to use it up. However, your loved one should be capable of noticing and remembering to throw it out. Your parent should also have a steady supply of fresh food to cook nutritious meals. If your loved one has difficulty handling either of these issues, a professional caregiver can help with tasks such as grocery shopping and kitchen cleanouts so your loved one always has healthy food available.
5. Difficulty Getting Out of Bed or Walking
Mobility issues are common in aging adults. Observe how your loved one gets up from a chair and walks through the room. You can also ask how your parent does with getting out of bed in the morning. Seniors who have difficulty managing these movements need people around to provide gentle support that minimizes pain and prevents falls.
In-home caregivers can ensure seniors stay safe at home. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care seniors can trust and rely on.
6. Missed Healthcare Appointments
Your loved one should never have to worry about getting to health checkups. Seniors who skip appointments may be worried about driving, or they may have memory loss that causes them to forget. Home care services include reminders for appointments as well as transportation so there’s never a reason to miss an appointment.
7. Problems with Medication Management
Proper medication management includes strategies such as using alarms and logs to help seniors remember to take their medicine. Your loved one needs home care services that address medication management issues if he or she forgets to take prescriptions or has ever had a mishap that caused a severe reaction.
If your aging loved one needs help with everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at 858-667-0813 today.
