It’s true: there is no place like home. As parents or loved ones age, it’s no surprise they want to stay in their house as long as possible. It’s important to recognize the signs to step in and get help.
When to Consider Help in the Home
Key signs your loved one may need more help include a recent hospitalization or being at risk for falls. Desirae Toomey, Director of Clinical Growth & Innovation for Avera@Home, shares tips on what to look for as your loved one ages or goes through health challenges.
“This can be the start of important conversations about what’s best for your loved one,” Toomey said. “Remember, there are options to help people maintain as much independence as possible.”
Many signs are subtle and may appear gradually over time. Look for changes based on what was normal in the past. People having trouble moving around the house will find ways to make life easier by avoiding daily activities that range from home maintenance to self-care and eating regularly.
These can all be signs of having trouble moving around or forgetting daily tasks.
- House is not being maintained (dishes in sink, garbage not being taken out)
- Not maintaining self-care
- Are clothes stained or does hair look unwashed? Does it look like the bathroom or shower is not being used?
- Missing meals or relying heavily on convenience food
- Is the fridge empty or are there no dishes in the sink? Are there a lot of fast food containers in the garbage?
- Staying in one place
- Are they always in the same chair? Are all their necessities in one spot so they don’t have to get up?
- Have trouble managing their medications
- Do pillboxes seem untouched? Are medications not being filled regularly?
