9 Signs that your elderly loved one may need in-home care
Remaining independent for as long as possible is vital to the health and wellbeing of senior Australians and their families.
Although remaining in the home can come with its own challenges, hiring an in-home support carer can help keep families together and retain their independence.
But when is the right time to make this decision?
There are certain signs that can indicate it might be time for in-home care, such as changes in personality, mood, hygiene, and overall appearance. If you see any of these signs, it's essential to consult with your loved one's doctor to see if in-home care is the best solution.
1. Personality & Mood
One of the most common signs that someone needs in-home care is a change in personality. This could manifest as agitation, mood swings, or a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy.
If your loved one is usually even-tempered and you start to notice them snapping at you or other family members, it could signify that they're struggling to cope with their current situation.
Similarly, mood changes can indicate a need for in-home care. If your loved one is generally happy and upbeat, but you start to see them feeling down or depressed, it could be a sign that they're struggling to deal with the changes in their life. Other changes to look out for can include:
Increased anxiety
Aggression
Depression
2. Hygiene & Appearance
Noticing a change in your loved one’s hygiene and appearance can be a sign that they are struggling at home. If your loved one has always been neat and tidy, but you start to notice them becoming more dishevelled, it could signify that they're having difficulty taking care of themselves.
In addition to changes in hygiene, changes in appearance can also indicate a need for in-home care. If your loved one's clothes are no longer clean or they're not grooming themselves as regularly as they used to, they could be struggling. As we age, showering and bathing can become increasingly difficult due to mobility issues or a cognitive decline. Other changes to look out for can include:
Body odour (can indicate not showering)
Not changing clothing
Hair unwashed and messy
3. Unkept Home: Inside & Out
If you've started to notice that your loved one's home is becoming less and less tidy, it could be a sign that they're no longer able to take care of it themselves. This could be due to physical limitations or dementia-related forgetfulness.
In addition to an unkempt home, you may also notice that your loved one is no longer taking care of their yard or garden. This could be another sign that they cannot handle the responsibilities of taking care of a home on their own. Other changes to look out for can include:
Empty fridge or expired food
Dishes in the sink piling up
Stacks of unopened mail
4. Trouble with Activities of Daily Living
Many senior Australians can have trouble with activities of daily living (ADLs), which is often one of the first signs that someone needs in-home care. ADLs can include things such as:
Bathing
Dressing
Toileting
Eating
If you're starting to see your loved one struggle with any of these activities, it's a sign that they may need some assistance.
5. Isolation & Withdrawal
Socialising with friends and family has amazing health benefits, especially as we age.
If your loved one used to be outgoing and social, but you start to notice them staying home more often and not wanting to see family and friends, it could be a sign that they are struggling to cope. Other changes to look out for can include:
Wanting to stay home
Decreased social circle
Not wanting to talk on the phone or have people over
6. Forgetfulness
Increased forgetfulness is a sign that should not be ignored. Although memory loss increases as we get older, it could also be a sign of something more serious and should always be discussed with your doctor. Some signs to look out for can include:
Missing appointments
Forgetting to take medication
Unable to remember how to get to familiar places
7. Weight Loss or Gain
If your loved one has always been a healthy weight but starts to lose or gain weight rapidly, it could be a sign that they cannot take care of their diet and nutrition on their own.
Weight loss or gain can be a sign of:
Limited mobility or cognitive problems
Forgetfulness
It is always best to check in with your doctor. Your doctor can help keep an eye on weight and suggest a treatment plan, whether that be health-related or suggestive of in-home care.
8. Trouble with Mobility
Mobility problems are common as we age and can cause issues with walking, getting up and down and unfortunately, they can cause falls.
If your loved one has difficulty getting around on their own or starts to experience falls more often, it could signify that they need assistance with day-to-day tasks. In-home care can help with:
Mobility assistance
Cooking assistance & shopping
Help with grooming
Companionship
9. Driving Concerns
When you start to notice that your loved one is having trouble driving or is becoming more forgetful when behind the wheel, it can be a worrying time. Some indicators to look out for can include:
Becoming lost
Having accidents
Difficulty parking and swiping cars
Not stopping at red lights or stop signs
Traffic sign confusion
Having difficulty driving can be a sign of:
Dementia
Arthritis
Hearing or vision problems
Anxiety or depression
If you see any of these signs, it's essential to consult with your loved one's doctor to see if in-home care is the best solution. In-home care can provide your loved ones with the assistance they need to live a comfortable and full life.
It is never easy to ask for help for fear of losing independence and burdening your family and friends. Often symptoms and signs of struggling can also be hidden to avoid being placed in a home.
Understanding that help is available without having to go into aged care, is the first step towards building an independent life. In-home care helps restore confidence and being able to be around people that love and care about you in an environment that is familiar and safe.
Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any in-home support needs you or your family may have. We understand that this is a difficult time and are here to answer any questions you may have.
P: 0449 693 603