Some seniors who are aging in place may not recognize when they could benefit from a little help at home, especially if they are used to taking care of themselves. However, waiting until an accident or health scare occurs can limit options and increase risks. It’s better to be proactive so they can avoid accidents and remain at home for as long as possible.
Noticing subtle changes in your aging parent’s behavior or home environment can help you determine when it’s time to consider hiring help at home. Here are a few signs to look for that could mean it’s time to explore in-home support.
An unkempt home
A consistently messy or cluttered home is one of the most common early signs that an aging parent might need help at home. If your parent was once tidy but now struggles to keep up with basic chores, it could point to physical limitations, fatigue, or cognitive changes.
A few things to look for include:
- Laundry piling up.
- Dirty dishes overflowing in the sink.
- Items left out.
- Mail piling up.
- Bedding not being changed.
- Dirty floors.
Consider light housekeeping help or hiring a part-time home care provider to assist with daily tasks that may become more difficult with age, like laundry, tidying up, and meal prep.
Unhealthy eating habits
Nutrition becomes even more crucial as we age, yet many seniors find it hard to prepare meals or lose interest in eating well. “As you age, it is important to eat healthy to prevent age-related changes like increased risk for chronic disease, bone loss, muscle loss, and decreased metabolism,” Brooke Levine, a dietitian nutritionist at NYU Langone Health, told AARP.
If you’re worried about unhealthy heating habits in your loved one but aren’t sure what to look for, consider these signs:
- Spoiled food in the fridge.
- An empty refrigerator or pantry.
- Relying on processed foods, like chips and fast food.
- Lack of fresh produce.
- Changes in weight.
In-home care providers can offer support with meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, ensuring your loved one eats balanced, nutritious meals each day. A caregiver can help prepare meals together, assist with dietary needs, or simply ensure that food is safely stored and consumed regularly. This support can make mealtimes healthier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Poor hygiene
Changes in hygiene routines often go unnoticed at first but can lead to health issues like infections or skin conditions. Poor hygiene may stem from physical pain, depression, or fear of slipping in the shower.
Signs of poor hygiene include:
- Wearing dirty clothes or the same clothes every day.
- Bad breath or infrequent tooth brushing.
- Unwashed, tangled hair.
- Overgrown nails.
- Body odor.
Home care services provide discreet, respectful assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing, making it easier for your loved one to maintain dignity and health.
Changes in mood or personality
Frequent changes in mood or personality can indicate a larger problem than just a bad day. Depression, anxiety, isolation, or underlying health or cognitive issues may be at play. It’s important to speak to your loved one’s doctor to see if their mood swings could be related to a medication side effect or health issue.
Common signs include:
- Sudden withdrawal from social activities.
- Irritability or unusual anger.
- Sadness or crying spells.
- Disinterest in hobbies they once enjoyed.
While there are many options to consider for keeping your loved one connected to family and other seniors in the community, a companion caregiver can provide the emotional support and social interaction your loved one needs right in their home. They can provide conversation, connection, and meaningful activities, which can reduce isolation and improve mental well-being.
Changes in mobility or balance
It’s normal to slow down with age, but if your loved one is struggling to get around, it may increase their risk of falling, one of the leading causes of injury among older adults.
Here are a few negative changes in mobility to look for in an aging parent:
- Shuffling feet or an unsteady gait.
- Trouble standing up from a chair.
- Holding on to furniture for support.
- Hesitating on stairs or avoiding certain parts of the home.
A home care professional can assist with mobility throughout the day, helping your parent get up from chairs, navigate stairs, or safely use the bathroom and shower. In-home caregivers can also monitor for trip hazards and intervene in the event of a fall.
Cognitive decline or memory issues
Everyone misplaces their keys from time to time, but frequent forgetfulness or confusion can be a sign that your loved one needs extra support.
Some examples include:
- Mismanaged finances and overdue bills.
- Forgetting to take medications.
- Missed appointments.
- Confusion while cooking or using appliances.
- Getting lost in familiar areas.
In-home caregivers can provide essential reminders and supervision for daily tasks like taking medications, preparing meals, and attending appointments. Specialized caregivers trained in dementia care can offer structured support and create routines that help reduce confusion and maintain safety at home.
Unexplained injuries
If you notice bruises, scratches, or other injuries your parent can’t explain or seems reluctant to talk about, they could indicate recent falls or mobility issues.
“They’re worried about other people becoming concerned about safety issues at home and the potential that they may have to move from their home to assisted living or a nursing home,” says Nicole Osevala, M.D., an internal medicine specialist at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “If they fall and don’t have a serious injury, they don’t want to bother their kids or loved ones.”
Look for bruises and scratches, but when talking to your loved one, emphasize that you want to help them live at home safely, not to take away their freedom. Getting them help at home can even help avoid injuries or other issues that would require them to move to senior living. Evaluate home safety and consider hiring a caregiver. They may be more likely to talk about accidents and potential home modifications, like installing a walk-in bathtub, if they know they won’t be asked to move.
Talk to your parent about getting help at home
Talk to your parent as soon as you notice any of these signs that they need help at home. While it can be hard to bring up the topic, approaching it with empathy and understanding makes a big difference. Be patient and supportive, even if they refuse help at first. Remind your loved one that accepting help at home isn’t about giving up independence; it’s about preserving it. With the right support in place, they can continue living safely, comfortably, and confidently in the place they know and love.
