When is Home Care Needed? Recognizing the Signs for Your Loved Ones

Understanding the Importance of Home Care

She hasn’t said anything, but you suspect your mom is struggling to take care of herself and her home.

“Older people rarely ask for help. They’re afraid of losing their independence, and they don’t want to burden family members or friends,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Unfortunately, that often means they’re not getting the help they need with things like housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care.”

Key Signs That Indicate the Need for Home Care

So how do you know when home care is needed? Goetz advises looking for the following red flags:

1. Housekeeping Neglect

Is the house messier and/or more cluttered than usual? Are dirty dishes piled in the sink? Is the bed never made? These are all signs of possible decline.

2. Evidence of Poor Nutrition

Take a look in the refrigerator. Are there fresh foods and veggies or microwave meals and canned peaches? Expired food is also a red flag.

3. Unpaid Bills

If there’s a stack of unpaid bills or if you notice irregularities with bank statements, that should be concerning.

4. Medication Mismanagement

Check pill bottles and organizers to see if there are too many or too few pills for the month.

5. Physical Frailty

Everyone slows down eventually, but if your aging loved one struggles to get out of a chair or go up and down stairs, they may need assistance.

6. Personal Care Issues

Is your loved one wearing the same clothes? Has she stopped doing her hair, taking care of her fingernails or bathing? These may be signs she needs help with personal care.

7. Dings on the Car

If you worry your senior should no longer be driving, check for unexplained dings or scratches on the car.

How HCAN Can Help

“At HCAN, we understand that family members and friends aren’t always available to help with day-to-day tasks. That’s where we come in,” Goetz said. “From light housekeeping to personal and memory care, our highly-trained, professional caregivers provide the assistance your aging loved ones need to age safely in their homes.”

Taking Action for Your Loved One’s Well-Being

Having open conversations about home care can be challenging. For tips on how to approach these discussions, check out 7 Tips for Productive Home Care Conversations

If you suspect your loved one is struggling with self care, visit hcan.com or call your local HCAN-supported office. Our experienced teams will work closely with you to develop a customized care plan that meets your senior’s unique needs.