How Can I Tell My Loved One Needs Professional In-Home Care?

Senior Home Care by Angels can help you keep an eye out for common signs it may be time to consider professional in-home care for your senior loved one

Throughout Canada, adult children are facing difficult decisions about their parents’ diminished quality of life due to age-related difficulties. If this sounds like your situation, you may be wondering if your senior parent or relative is safe and comfortable at home.

Acknowledging your loved one needs help at home is a significant first step. But how can you determine if they need more support such as private senior care?

Senior Home Care by Angels can help you keep an eye out for some of the most common warning signs professional in-home care might be needed.

When to Consider Professional In-Home Care

If you see sudden changes in your loved one’s appearance, behavior, or environment that concern you, it could be time to look into senior care options in your area. The signs may be subtle at first and then become more obvious.

When you’re with your loved one, look out for:

• Poor personal hygiene or a disheveled appearance
  Is your loved one maintaining their usual level of personal hygiene? Look for signs they’re not bathing, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or washing their clothes regularly.

• A messy, cluttered living space
  A cluttered home can be a sign of physical or cognitive difficulties. Take note if your loved one’s home is messier than usual or their housekeeping routine is slipping.

• Spoiled food in the refrigerator or little food at all
  Check the fridge and cupboards to see if your loved one has fresh, nutritious food. If the food is expired or the cupboards are bare, they may not be eating regular meals.

• Unpaid bills and other questionable financial choices
  Is your loved one on top of their finances or are they neglecting essential expenses? Look for unopened bills or unpaid utility bills. Take note if they mention any recent investments, loans, or purchases that seem suspect or out of character.

• Significant changes in their health or mobility
  Can your loved one move around easily? Do they keep up with their treatments and medications for chronic conditions? Look for expired or unopened medications and signs their health is getting worse.

• Reserved demeanor and limited social life
  Does your loved one seem like themselves? Are they engaging with friends and family? Do they participate in favorite activities? Be honest about their level of socializing.

How Senior Home Care by Angels Can Help Your Loved One

Changes in your loved one’s behavior could indicate it’s time to consider professional senior care. However, relocating to a retirement residence can be stressful, disorienting, and disheartening for seniors— especially for those who would prefer to remain at home. Instead, get the best of both worlds with professional in-home care services from Senior Home Care by Angels.

Your loved one will get personalized, one-to-one support from a dedicated caregiver who works on their schedule, with their routine. Our caregivers can assist with meal preparation, medication reminders, errands, social outings, and social technology to help maintain their health and happiness, while aging in place at home.

To get started with professional in-home care, contact your local Senior Home Care by Angels office today.