Realizing that one (or both) of your parents need home care services can be difficult. But in the end, it’s a decision that will ultimately improve every aspect of their life, as well as your own.

Unfortunately, there’s no one age that a person hits and suddenly needs in-home care. Every person, family, and home situation is unique and requires a different care plan. Typically we’ve found that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By starting with minimal in-home care services, and gradually increasing them as your parent ages and requires more care, you can ensure their health and safety at every stage of life.

Signs Your Parent Needs In-Home Care

For many years, home care services, like the ones provided by Homewatch CareGivers, have allowed seniors to live in their own homes, maintain their independence, and give their families peace of mind.

Take a look at the below signs to help you decide if it’s time for mom and dad to take advantage of extra help at home:

They’re having trouble with physical tasks.

Simple tasks, like getting dressed in the morning, stepping in and out of the shower, and washing dishes can get difficult over time because they often require seniors to stand for long periods of time or balance on one foot.

Their hygiene is declining.

As seniors age, their hygiene can begin to decline because grooming becomes more difficult. Many seniors avoid showers because they’re worried about slipping or wear the same clothes for several days at a time because changing has become difficult.

Strange or unexplained bruising.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Falls are also one of the leading causes of hospitalizations among seniors. Unexplained bruises, scrapes, or cuts could be signs that your loved one has suffered a fall and is no longer as sturdy on their feet.

Tasks around the home are left undone.

Was your mom always a stickler about putting laundry away, and now you find it in piles throughout the house? Whether because they’re more easily fatigued, becoming forgetful, or unable to carry heavy items, undone chores is a major sign your loved one could benefit from in-home care.

They’re easily confused.

Confusion is a natural part of aging, however, a sudden or serious decline in memory could pose large health and safety risks. If your parent is getting very confused, forgetful, or disoriented, it could be an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

They’re more secluded and withdrawn.

While there’s no denying seniors need help maintaining their physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing are far too often left out of the overall conversation about healthy aging. It’s important to remember that companionship plays a vital role in our overall health and happiness. If your loved one starts declining invitations or avoiding social gatherings, it could be a sign that their mental health is suffering.

Poor medication management.

It’s not uncommon for seniors to be on a number of different medications. And when taken at the correct time and in the correct dosage, these medications can help them lead a happy and healthy life. However, forgetting to take certain medications or taking them too often can have drastic consequences. If you’re noticing too many or too few pills left in their cabinet, it could mean they’re forgetting to take them.

Homewatch CareGivers Provides Complete Care

Homecare services are provided for a number of different reasons and for clients of all ages. From shopping for nutritious meals to helping seniors accomplish daily tasks, in-home care can help your parents maintain their sense of independence while living in the home they love.

Homewatch CareGivers delivers in-home care for the whole person, not just their condition. Contact us today online or at (310) 620-1735 to learn more about services.