Although most older adults want to age in place for as long as possible, many eventually require at least some assistance to maintain their independence. For the average family, knowing how to identify the telltale signs that aging friends or relatives need more help at home can be challenging. Using this home care warning sign guide as a reference will help ensure your elderly loved ones enjoy a higher quality of life as the aging process continues.
Physical Changes
Losing or gaining excessive weight, wearing the same clothes every day, and poor hygiene are all signs that your loved ones need assistance. Cognitive red flags like memory loss, confusion, and forgetfulness could indicate the onset of dementia.
If poor mobility is affecting your loved one’s quality of life, volunteer to assist them around the house by preparing meals, doing laundry, paying bills, etc. If you suspect your senior has mild cognitive impairment, take them to the doctor for further evaluation.
Not Socializing Enough
Depression, anxiety, and dementia keep many seniors from socializing as they should. On the other hand, older adults that stay socially engaged tend to enjoy happier, healthier, and even longer lives than those who are lonely and isolated.
Introduce your loved one to community activities they might enjoy or volunteer opportunities at a local hospital, cancer center, or charity organization. Teach them how to use the latest technologies, like video chats, online communities, and social media, to stay connected with old friends – or make new ones.
Frequent Falls
Fall-related injuries and fractures send millions of older adults to hospital emergency departments every year. Vision changes, poorly lit hallways, and slippery bathroom surfaces are all fall hazards for aging-in-place seniors.
If your senior has fallen several times recently or you’ve noticed them having trouble getting around, here’s how to help:
- Create clutter-free pathways throughout the home.
- Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom and on both sides of the stairs.
- Improve the lighting throughout the home.
- Take them to the eye doctor.
- Modify the home environment to make it safer.
Driving-Related Issues
If your loved one has received several tickets or caused multiple accidents, it’s probably time to have “the talk” about driving safety. Suspicious dents, dings, and scrapes on their vehicle could also indicate that it’s time to turn over the car keys for good. Before respectfully discussing the subject with them, find suitable transportation alternatives.
Unfinished Business
Stacks of past-due bills could indicate that your senior is having trouble managing their finances. Offer to become a custodian on their bank and credit card accounts, which will also help protect them from financial scammers. If they haven’t already done so, encourage them to prepare a will and choose someone as their durable power-of-attorney (POA).
Where to Find In-Home Eldercare Services
Once you’ve determined your aging loved one needs some help, the next step is to share your concerns and offer your assistance. Although informal caregivers typically provide most of the care initially, the added stress and responsibility of doing so often lead to caregiver burnout.
Taking a well-deserved break (respite) as an informal caregiver is possible by utilizing these caregiving resources:
- Trusted neighbors, relatives, and friends
- Community volunteers that work with the aging
- Adult day care
- A meal delivery service
- A professional respite caregiver from a reputable home care provider
Of these options, professional home care can cover almost all aspects of your loved one’s needs, making it a very cost-effective choice – one that also allows you to sleep better at night!
Flexible In-Home Respite Care for Seniors in Indianapolis, IN
When you need a reliable in-home respite care provider in the Greater Indianapolis area, look no further than Senior1Care. As your family-trusted home care source, our dedicated, compassionate professionals deliver exceptional care to individuals seeking dependable ways to maintain their independent lifestyles. While proudly serving clients and their families since 2006, our unique scope of services ranges from personal care and household services to dementia care, family consultation, and geriatric care counseling.
We are a local, family-owned, and operated home care company with services that can be uniquely tailored to meet each client’s needs. To learn more about Senior1Care or schedule an assessment for a senior in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, or Noblesville today, please visit us by clicking here now.
