Recognizing the Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help at Home

Caring for an aging parent is a responsibility filled with love and concern, but it can also come with uncertainty. Knowing when your parent requires extra help at home isn’t always easy to determine, especially when the changes are gradual. By understanding key indicators, you can ensure your loved one continues to live safely and comfortably.

Changes in Physical Health

One of the most obvious signs your parent may need extra assistance is a noticeable decrease in physical health. Common indicators include: 

• Frequent falls – If your parent has started falling more often or is having difficulty maintaining balance, this could suggest he or she needs help with mobility. 

• Weight loss – Unexplained weight loss could signal an underlying health issue or that your loved one is having difficulty preparing meals or eating regularly. 
• Difficulty with hygiene – Trouble bathing, dressing, or maintaining good hygiene could indicate daily tasks have become too strenuous. 

Keep an eye out for these changes and consult a doctor if you notice significant health concerns. 

Trouble Managing Household Tasks

Managing a home can be overwhelming for an aging individual, particularly when it comes to things like cleaning, cooking, or laundry. Look out for signs such as: 

• Cluttered living spaces – If clean dishes or tidy rooms have suddenly given way to clutter or mess, it could be a sign your loved one is finding household chores difficult. 

• Expired groceries – Check the fridge and pantry for expired or spoiled food, which could indicate your loved one isn’t keeping up with regular grocery shopping. 
• Poor home maintenance – Broken appliances, missing light bulbs, or disorganized areas may suggest your loved one is unable to maintain the home independently. 

These signs often point to a growing need for assistance around the house.

Homecare providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Memory Issues or Cognitive Decline

Memory loss and cognitive issues can greatly impact an elderly person’s ability to live independently. While occasional forgetfulness can be normal with aging, more severe or frequent changes should not be overlooked, including: 

• Missed appointments or bills – If your loved one is having difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills on time, it could signal decreasing cognitive function. 

• Getting lost in familiar places – This can be an early indicator of dementia or Alzheimer’s. 
• Repeated questions or confusion – If your loved one is frequently forgetting what he or she has said or done or is showing signs of confusion, additional care may be needed. 

Addressing cognitive concerns early can make a significant difference in providing the right kind of support.

Social Withdrawal or Emotional Changes

Mental health is as crucial as physical health for aging parents. Social withdrawal or changes in emotional behavior might mean your parent is facing more challenges than he or she is letting on. Look out for behaviors such as: 

• Loss of interest – Your loved one may stop participating in activities he or she once enjoyed or decline invitations to social gatherings. 

• Mood swings or depression – Frequent irritability, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness could indicate emotional distress. 
• Avoidance of communication – If your loved one seems reluctant to talk or open up about his or her day-to-day life, it may be a sign he or she is feeling overwhelmed. 

Encouraging open communication and checking in regularly can help you support your loved one’s emotional wellbeing.

For families living in Cincinnati, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Difficulty Maintaining Personal Safety

Safety concerns are a major indicator professional in-home care or additional support may be necessary. Be alert to the following warning signs:

• Burn marks or kitchen accidents – Evidence of kitchen mishaps could suggest difficulty cooking safely. 

• Medication mishandling – If pills are missed, taken twice, or disorganized, it signals your loved one may need help handling medications. 
• Dangerous driving – Pay attention to your loved one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, as impaired driving can pose risks.

When personal safety is at risk, it’s essential to seek solutions quickly to protect your parent’s health and wellbeing. 

Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Cincinnati seniors can trust and rely on. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.