Many of us would rather see our loved ones age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes as they get older. And while this option gives them a sense of comfort and freedom, it’s crucial to watch out for any indications that they might need help from home care providers to protect their safety and well-being.

Early detection helps address potential problems and gives them the support they require to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

What Indicates Seniors’ Need for Extra Assistance?

While no two situations are the same, there are a few common things to watch for that point to a need for assistance. Those things are explored further below.

• Changes in Physical Health
• Mobility issues like unsteadiness, difficulty walking, or frequent falls
• A decline in personal hygiene, which includes not taking care of one’s appearance, body odor, or grooming practices
• A change in appetite that might include abrupt weight loss, a decrease in appetite, or skipping meals
• Chronic Health Conditions
• Having trouble controlling long-term ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis
• Prescription mismanagement, including taking the wrong dosage or forgetting to take the prescription
• Changes in Cognitive Function
• Memory loss that can be linked to recent occurrences or significant events
• Getting lost in familiar surroundings
• Having trouble following discussions
• Forgetting the names of people they’ve known for years
• Disorientation, such as the inability to locate oneself, tell time, or carry out routine duties
• Having trouble deciding what to do or addressing problems

Behavioral and Emotional Changes

• Prolonged depression, such as a diminished interest in activities or heightened worry
• Ignoring relationships or avoiding social situations
• Enhanced irritability or combative behavior
• Giving up interests in past pastimes or pursuits.
• Changes in the Way the Home Looks
• A noticeable build-up of clutter may suggest a problem with organization
• Increased risks to safety due to the inability to maintain the home properly

Changes in How They Maintain Their Finances

• Ignoring bills or allowing them to accumulate
• Becoming a victim of financial scams
• Having trouble keeping track of expenditures, invoices, or crucial paperwork
• A pattern of overdrawing accounts

Finding Help for Seniors

It’s critical to respond quickly and sensitively when observing any of the symptoms listed above. First, loved ones should address the subject with compassion and understanding. Second, they should take the time to listen to what seniors have to say. From there, talking with home care to assess what options are available is key. While seniors should be involved in the final decision-making process, learning about the options beforehand and presenting them in a familiar and comfortable setting might help seniors be more open to the conversation. Finally, home care providers, loved ones, and seniors can explore the situation further to come up with a personalized plan of care.

It’s critical to keep an eye out for indicators that loved ones living at home might need more help. The good news is that home care offers a variety of options so that seniors can get what they need while still feeling in control.

Sources: https://seniorsathome.jfcs.org/time-home-care-know-signs/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help
https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/resources/10-signs-your-aging-parent-may-need-help/
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2021/assessing-need-for-caregiver.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Irvine CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)

Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.

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Canaan Home Care Staff

Caring Professionals at Canaan Home Care

Our mission is to keep you and your loved ones living happily and safely at home. We work with you and your family to develop a custom care plan tailored to your needs and budget. We help with daily activities and support the unique care needs of people living with mobility issues, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Parkinson’s, and other age-related conditions.

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