Four Clear Signs that Seniors Need More Help at Home

One of the most difficult decisions adult children can face is knowing when to bring in professional assistance in order to support their aging parents. The decision to help an aging parent is complex, both emotionally and practically. Most seniors don’t want to be a burden to their adult children or caretaking relatives. Some consider moving to nursing homes or senior living communities, but the decision to sell their cherished home often holds mixed emotions.

The majority of seniors desire to spend their remaining years in their current home, according to a recent poll of surveyed seniors. Yet, of those same seniors surveyed, two in 10 over the age of 70 shared that they find it difficult to live independently and accomplish basic tasks of daily living. These statistics only highlight the fact that seniors do desire to remain in the comfort of their own home. The statistics also share that at some point in their elder years, most seniors will need assistance. The question then remains, when? If you are concerned about your aging parents or another family member, here are four clear signs that indicate they need more help at home.

Cluttered Home

Overly cluttered homes, especially if mom or dad always kept a spotless house, can indicate a struggle to keep up with household responsibilities. Are the dishes piling up or the trash overflowing? How are they managing their laundry? When was the last time they washed their sheets? Look for dust buildup, unclean bathrooms, or piles of unopened mail. Peek in the refrigerator and check for spoiled food. Pay attention to the exterior of their home too. Is the yard maintained? How are the mechanics of the home? Neglected household responsibilities is one indicator that they need more help at home.

Unkempt Appearance

Poor hygiene practices, such as unbrushed hair or teeth, noticeable body odor, or untrimmed fingernails, point to the fact that seniors need more assistance. Are they getting dressed during the day, or do they spend most of their time in their pajamas? Are they washing their clothes, or do they wear the same thing all week? Are they getting regular haircuts, or do they struggle to wash their hair? If you notice consistent changes in their appearance, it may mean they need more help at home.

Missed Appointments

Are your parents frequently missing appointments or staying home more often than usual? If so, it could indicate that they need more help at home. While everyone forgets about an appointment from time to time, frequently forgetting routine events means something is going on. Learn the social habits of your aging family member. Leaving the house from time to time is a sign of healthy aging. Refusing to leave the home and withdrawing from social engagements can indicate they need more help at home.

Change in Demeanor

Finally, a significant change in mood or behavior can indicate a senior needs more help at home. We all have bad days from time to time. However, it becomes cause for concern when a senior experiences more bad days than good. Do your parents seem overwhelmed when out in public? Are they choosing to self-isolate during family events? Do you worry about their emotional well-being when you’re not around? A change in demeanor, such as unexplained anger or increased anxiety, could mean that it’s time for more help at home.

Deciding when to begin senior home care is a difficult decision. Receiving expert advice from a reputable source should be your first step. At Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita, we’ve been experts in home care for many years and can help walk you through the decision-making process. One of the first steps we take when you contact us is to schedule a free in-home assessment to determine the type of care that meets the needs of your family member. We then match them with a caregiver whose personality, skills, and experience are best suited to them. When you’re ready to take that next step in arranging help at home for your family member, please contact us at 661-263-2273 so that we can learn more about your situation.