How to Tell if an Elderly Person Needs Assistance at Home

When individuals become older, it may be challenging to admit that they need help and much more challenging to accept that support. How then can you determine whether or not your elderly parent needs assistance at home? One thing can be said for certain: it won’t be your mother and father that break the news to you!

The senior population has a strong drive to maintain their autonomy for as much of their remaining life as they can and to do so for as long as feasible. Normally, older adults may minimize or conceal any problems that they have been having until an accident or a dramatic deterioration in their health makes it obvious that they want help. 

This can take anything from a few months to many years. Since adult children are often unable to engage in the decision-making process about their parents’ medical care before a crisis occurs, the additional strain of an unexpected hospitalization or fall makes the situation much more complicated.

Start checking your parents’ physical and mental capacities on a regular basis (preferably in person), encourage adequate legal and financial preparation, and investigate your alternatives for long-term care to reduce the risk of being taken by surprise. This will guarantee that you are prepared in the event that either Mum or Dad begin to exhibit signals that they need assistance.

Warning Indicators That a Senior Needs Assistance at Home

Keep an eye out for these typical signs that suggest an older adult may need assistance at home or a higher level of care.

• Difficulty Carrying Out Tasks Necessary for Everyday Living
• Cleaning up and personal grooming
• Dressing
• Toileting \sContinence
• Moving about on foot and making transfers (e.g., moving from the bed to a chair)
• Eating and drinking

Have a look at this article: The Significance of Activities of Everyday Life (ADLs)

Alterations to Both the Look and Function of the Body

observable reduction in body mass as a consequence of dietary deficiencies and/or difficulties associated with eating, preparing meals, grocery shopping, and so on.

When dressing presents challenges, individuals may end up wearing filthy clothes or dressing incorrectly for the season/weather.

Infrequent use of showers or baths, which leads to poor personal hygiene and an unpleasant stench emanating from the body

An obvious reduction in grooming practices and personal care as seen by unkempt hair, untrimmed nails, or poor dental hygiene

Signs on the body, such as cuts, bruises, or other wounds, that can suggest previous injuries or a change in mobility

Burns that are visible on the skin may be an indication that an elderly person is dealing with issues. cooking

Alterations in Conduct as well as the Mental Status

a deficit in either drive or motivation

a decline in interest in previously enjoyed activities and pastimes

Difficulty in maintaining a sense of time

Refusal to call back friends and family members after receiving their calls

Mood swings that are particularly severe or frequent.

An elevated level of agitation

Abusive language and/or conduct may take many forms.

Alteration in sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia or sleeping all day)

Putting Off Domestic Duties Without a Second Thought

Incapability to execute instrumental ADLs on one’s own autonomously

Alterations to the orderliness and cleanliness of the home

Hoarding behaviours or extreme amounts of clutter.

Stacks of mail that has not been opened, reminders of late payments, or bounced checks

Unpaid bills, phone calls from collectors, or the disconnection of essential services

spoiled food that is not discarded after it has been eaten

a very low food supply overall, with little to no food that is either fresh or healthful.

A carpet or piece of furniture that is moist or has stains

a strong smell of urine within the home, which may be an indication of incontinence

Burn marks that are clearly visible on cooking utensils or appliances might be an indication that the meal was left unattended while it was being cooked or reheated.

The failure to maintain exterior environments by doing tasks such as waste collection, snow removal, or gardening

Symptoms of risky driving (e.g., automobile dents and scratches)

medications that have not been filled

Alterations in One’s Capacity to Think, Remember, and Judgment

Forgetfulness (e.g., forgetting to take prescriptions or taking improper amounts, skipping appointments, misplacing stuff) (e.g., forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect dosages, missing appointments, misplacing items)

An increase in perplexity

A decline in the ability to reason

Continued instances of exercising incorrect judgment (e.g., falling for scams or sales pitches, giving away money)

Difficulty in carrying out routine responsibilities

Having trouble orienting oneself whether walking or driving regularly

Speech patterns that are used repeatedly

Inability to finish phrases

difficulty in finding appropriate words

alterations in either one’s personality or conduct

Inadequate personal cleanliness and/or the habit of repeatedly wearing the same clothing Incapability to remember the names of known persons, items, or locations

Employing Home Care Providers for One’s Elderly Parents

If you see any of the following early warning signals in your mother and father, the next step is to have a conversation with them about how their skills and the level of care they need are changing. It is in everyone’s best interest to have conversations about the future with ageing parents as soon as possible, rather than waiting until later, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to prevent unpleasant shocks. Bring up the matter in a manner that is polite and in such a way that they are able to engage in determining the problem(s) at hand and in developing potential solutions.

It is important to keep in mind that the presence of these warning signs does not always indicate that relocation to assisted living or nursing homes is necessary. Yet, the prevalence of these symptoms suggests that the patient needs some kind of regular supportive care. The employment of home assistance enables elderly members of many families to continue living in the familiar surroundings of their own homes for as long as they can do so securely. When it comes to choosing in-home care, use the following guidelines as a starting point to help you make choices that are well-informed and self-assured.

Are you looking for compassionate and reliable home care services in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, or Seminole counties? Look no further than our professional team at Embracing Home Care! Our highly trained caregivers provide personalized care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they can continue to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. With a variety of services including personal care, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship, we strive to improve the quality of life for our clients and provide peace of mind for their families. Contact us today at 321-758-2036 to learn more about our affordable and flexible home care options and to schedule a consultation with one of our care coordinators. Let us help you or your loved one live life to the fullest!  We serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Kissimmee, St.  Cloud, Celebration, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Longwood, Winter Springs, Cocoa Beach and more.