Is it Time for In-Home Care for Your Loved One?

Choosing to receive in-home care is a delicate time for most aging adult. Many seniors worry that receiving in-home care will lead to losing their independence, or worry if they admit to needing help they’ll end up in a nursing home instead.

According to a study done by AARP, 60% of adults would prefer to age in place. As seniors advance in age though, going it alone isn’t always possible. If you’re not sure when it’s time for in-home care, here are a few signs your loved one may need a little help to stay comfortable in their home if they so choose.

Their hygiene is slipping

One of the most common signs we’ve seen that it may be time for an added set of helping hands is when personal hygiene starts to change. If your mother who always loved keeping up appearances is suddenly having trouble keeping herself clean, it may be a sign that she may need some more help.

Their home is dirty

If the dishes are always piled up or food is rotting in the fridge, your loved one may be struggling to get basic household chores done on their own. This isn’t just a sign your loved one may be slowing down; it can also be a safety hazard.

A sidewalk that hasn’t been shoveled on a snowy day can lead to slips and falls, and so can dirty laundry piled on the floor.

Losing weight

If your loved one has lost a lot of weight since you last saw them, it’s possible that this could be a red flag. Losing weight—especially if the person was already thin to begin with—can mean that your loved one could be struggling to prepare meals on their own, and it could be easier for them to go without.

What to do if it’s time for in-home care

We understand that talking to your loved ones about in-home care can sometimes be a touchy subject. An in-home caregiver however, can help fulfill your loved one’s desires to age in place and maintain some level of independence.

If your parents aren’t sure, ask them to try an in-home caregiver for a couple hours a week to see how they like it. Your spicy mother who has always enjoyed nights on the town might discover that she enjoys a similarly minded caregiver, and that the help allows her more independence instead of less.

Your father may find that he likes the additional company, and that he can enjoy a good book at home without having to do the grocery shopping if he has a little bit of help.

The right personality can help make a good impression. Our caregivers take great pride in their work, and are carefully matched to each person so there’s synergy, as well as the experience to meet the requirements of that individual.

If you notice red flags in your loved one’s living situation, it’s best to have a conversation with them about it as early as possible. The sooner they have the chance to start thinking about in-home care and whether they need or want these services, the sooner they can take steps toward better aging in place.

For more information, or for a free in-home consultation, contact the professional caregivers at Homewatch CareGivers Woodbridge today.