Signs Your Elderly Loved One Needs More Home Care Support
As seniors age, their needs can change quickly. Recognizing when it’s time to increase home care support is crucial for their safety, health, and happiness. Here are common signs your loved one may benefit from additional care—and how to respond.
Physical Signs
- Frequent falls, bruises, or unexplained injuries
- Noticeable weight loss or poor appetite
- Difficulty with walking, getting up from chairs, or using the bathroom
Cognitive and Emotional Changes
- Increased forgetfulness, confusion, or disorientation
- Missed medication doses or repeated errors
- Withdrawal from hobbies, friends, or family
Declining Personal Care and Hygiene
- Unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or neglect of grooming
- Strong odors in the home, piles of laundry, or spoiled food in the refrigerator
Home Safety Concerns
- Cluttered walkways, broken appliances, or evidence of accidents (burns, leaving the stove on)
Caregiver Burnout
- Family caregivers showing signs of stress, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed
When to Take Action
- Document your observations and talk to your loved one about your concerns.
- Schedule an assessment with a home care agency to determine new support needs.
- Increase care hours gradually and monitor for improvements.
Proactive Planning
Regularly review your loved one’s care plan and remain flexible as their health changes. For a full checklist and advice, visit our Home Health Care for Seniors resource page.
