Elderly individuals who are surrounded by loved ones and family may be at a higher advantage than those who are not. That’s because they’re lucky enough to have those around who care about them to notice when the time comes when they may need help. It can be challenging to know when home help services are needed, but noticing these warning signs may be a guide to understanding when the time comes.
Signs that Your Loved One Many Need Home Help Services
There is definitely a fine line when deciphering signals which can help you determine if an elderly loved one is taking care of themselves or may need some additional help. Often, elderly individuals may not wish to notify family and friends about difficulties they face around the house. They may wish to not be a burden to others they care about due to what they can or cannot do. So, it’s important to let your aging family member or loved one know that you have their best interests in mind and that it’s better for them to get the home help services they need than to face emergency scenarios. And, it’s also important to keep aware of certain warning signals which may signal that a loved one may need some additional help.
Injury Warning Signs Which May Signal an Elderly Person Needs Help
It’s much easier for elderly individuals to get injured than younger generations. This may be due to loss of mobility, the fragility of bones, or a number of other issues which are likely to develop as time passes. So, one warning sign elderly individuals may need help is if they have experienced an injury at home which could otherwise have been prevented. Some signs of home injury may include:
- Bruises
- Burns
- Scratches/cuts
- Sudden loss of mobility
- Limping
Physical Warning Signs Which May Determine a Loved One Needs Home Help Services
Other than injury, there are a few other physical issues which may determine an aging person needs additional help around the home. These may include:
- Increased difficulty moving around the home
- Rapid and recognizable weight loss
- Abandoned hygiene routines
- Incongruous clothing
Behavioral Cues Which May Signalize an Elderly Person Needs Further Help
Obviously, as we age, we face many changes. While some of these may be physical, others may be behavioral. And, while they could point to medical issues which should definitely be addressed by a physician, they may also point to the need for additional home help. Behavioral signals to look for include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Irritability, especially during nighttime hours
- Lack of judgment
- Avoidance of family/friends
- Confusion
- Personality changes
- Difficulty with speech
- Ceasing routines like cooking/cleaning/weekly outings
Clues Around the Home Which May Signify that an Aging Loved One Needs Help
Especially if you know your aging loved one loves a clean home, one which is unkept can be a big clue to helping to determine whether he/she needs some more help. While your loved one may exhibit warning signs which can help you determine whether or not they may need home help services, there are a few signs around the home to look for as well. These may include:
- Piles of unopened mail
- Clutter throughout
- Food which needs disposal in the kitchen
- Stacks of dirty dishes
- Undone laundry
- Neglected yard work
Think Your Loved One May Need Home Help Services?
If you have an aging loved one who is portraying some or many of these warning signs, you may have some decisions to make. Obviously, allowing an aging loved one to go on living alone isn’t an option if you can tell they can no longer take care of him/herself as needed. But, assisted living doesn’t have to be the only option. More often than not, aging individuals don’t wish to leave the comfort of their own homes. Home help services can help to keep aging people in their own homes but also help them accomplish all they need throughout the day. Home help services provided by an in-home caregiver may help to address all of these needs so that your loved one can keep living at home but also get the care they need.
If you are looking for a referral for caregiver services, consider utilizing the network of caregivers offered through Florida First Senior Home Care. We offer referrals for caregivers according to your loved one’s needs who are all experienced, certifiedand ready to help your family with any of your home care needs!
