When to Consider Home Care

Sometimes the indications that a senior may benefit from home care appear as signs that extra help is needed. If a senior is having a bit more difficulty with basic tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry or just mobility, some extra help may be just the thing. Senior companion services can help by providing rides to appointments or errands, help with light housework, and meal preparations depending on what’s needed. If you’ve noticed that a senior in your life is having more trouble than usual, discussing the matter with them to find out what’s going on may be the first step in making the home care decision.

Changes in Appearance or Mood

Sometimes aging brings extra challenges and more serious issues, which may manifest as changes in a senior’s appearance, health, or mood. If you notice any of the following in yourself or a senior in your life, it may be time to have a serious talk about what’s needed and whether it may be time to consider home care:

• Weight loss may be an indicator that cooking, meal planning, or eating have become more challenging.
• Unkempt hair, untrimmed nails, unbrushed teeth, and other signs of lapsed hygiene may mean that personal care is more difficult now.
• Clothing choices like wearing dirty clothes, wearing the same clothing repeatedly, or wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather/temperature are also signs that personal care, laundry, or dressing may be a challenge.
• Neglected home chores or household cleaning is another sign that something might be off. If the home is dirty, cluttered, or feels musty it may be time for some extra help with the housework, laundry, or other home upkeep.
• Mood changes are as important as physical changes: if a senior seems “down”, depressed, uninterested in normal activities, or otherwise moody something may be wrong and more companionship and help getting out of the house may be in order.
• Changes in mental state are a sure sign that further care may be needed. If a senior is having difficulty remembering to do basic tasks, return calls from loved ones, or occasionally becomes disoriented, then they may need some additional help from day to day.

It’s important to remember that every senior is different–we’re all individuals and need to be considered as such. However if you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to frankly and honestly discuss the matter and consider what the best option might be. If you’re a loved one or other caregiver, try to include your senior in the discussion as much as possible–they need to feel involved. Home care is about bridging the gap between what’s needed for a healthy and happy life and the desire to continue to live as independently as possible. Finding that balance means considering both the person and their needs.