The new year is a good opportunity to finally face some of the issues we’ve been putting off since the holiday season began. For some families, this means coming to terms with the fact that a senior loved one needs help at home. Here are some signs that it may be time to give your loved one extra care and support.
Signs that a Loved One Needs Help
The signs that a loved one needs care at home may be obvious. But they might also be a little more subtle depending on the person. One common issue seniors face is having difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs). These include:
- Bathing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Dressing and Grooming
An inability to do tasks around the house like cooking, shopping for food, doing laundry, and so forth is another indicator that they may need help. Safety is another concern. Recent falls, challenges with reading medication instructions, or taking them in a timely manner are signs that seniors are having trouble managing at home.
How to Talk to Seniors About Help at Home
Accepting help at home isn’t easy for anyone. For older people, this may feel like a loss of independence. Start by talking to your loved one about the things that you’ve observed that concern you. Be specific with your examples if they don’t seem to think there is an issue.
Listen to their concerns and have empathy for their point of view as well. One way to look at hiring home care is to think about the extra help and support it can bring to your loved one and family.
Consulting a professional such as a geriatric care manager, social worker, or your loved one’s doctor is another way to seek out the best advice in terms of the need for home care.
If you’re looking for compassionate and professional senior home care services in Orange County and Newport Beach, CA, reach out to Optimal Senior Care Solutions. Our care team will be happy to guide you through the different senior care options we offer to fit your needs.
