Recognizing when a loved one needs in-home senior care can be a challenging process, especially if they appear to be in good health. However, it’s important to know when to bring in help.
One thing family members can do is monitor their loved one’s behavior and pay close attention to their physical and mental abilities. If you notice any of the below warning signs it may be time to consider in-home senior care or private duty care, like Bethesda’s Senior Support Solutions services.
Physical Changes
A change in your loved one’s physical appearance is usually a good indication that they need help maintaining their independence. Changes in appearance, diet, and hygiene habits usually mean that your loved one is having difficulty caring for themselves. Keep an eye out for:
- Clothes that are not clean and neglect in personal appearance.
- Infrequent bathing or grooming.
- Weight loss, which could indicate poor eating habits, problems with chewing or swallowing, difficulty in preparing meals, or a more serious underlying condition.
- Unexplained bruising, unsteady balance, or less frequent movement, could show that they are at a greater risk of falling.
Emotional and Social Changes
Ask your loved one how they’re feeling to better gauge if they’re in good spirits. A drastic change in their mood is a red flag for depression or other health concerns. When these changes happen, it’s good to bring in a helping hand.
- Is your loved one feeling lonely or depressed?
- Are they sleeping more or less often?
- Does your loved one become easily frustrated or stressed?
- Are they avoiding people and social interaction?
Changes around the House
It is important to make sure your loved one’s home remains a safe environment. Can they properly handle regular up-keep and maintenance, shop, cook or run errands? Keep an eye out for signals that may point to the need for in-home senior care:
- Clutter or dirty laundry piling up
- A strong smell of urine
- Stale, expired, or lack of food in the house
- Unfilled prescriptions
- Stacks of unopened mail/unpaid bills
If you are concerned about your loved one’s well-being, share your concerns and offer suggestions for ways to find solutions together. Encourage regular trips to the doctor and address safety issues. Consider an in-home senior care provider to assist your senior loved one.
Bethesda’s Senior Support Solutions services provide in-home senior care across the St. Louis area. This private duty care is customized to each senior’s unique needs, whether you need 24-hour care or simply the occasional helping hand. Contact Bethesda at 314-963-2200 to learn more about in-home senior care.
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