Six Changes that May Show Your Parent Needs In-Home Care

Did you get to visit with a parent over the holidays? After a strange year of social distancing, traveling restrictions, and limited opportunities to see loved ones in person, the holidays may have felt like a long overdue time to check in with your parent or other loved ones. While technology has enabled many of us to remain connected, even when we are physically apart, there are certain things that you can do, or that are easier to notice, in person. With an aging parent, some of the things you notice may mean that he or she needs in-home care. Let us review six changes that may mean it is time for your parent to get some in-home care help.

1. Your parent is now having trouble getting around. Are there mobility issues you are noticing that may not have been present the last time you visited? If you notice your parent moving with trepidation or more prone to bracing themselves on furniture, it may be because he or she is worried about the ability to move safely about the house.

2. There may be problems managing medications. Have you noticed medicine cabinets in disarray? Are there expired prescriptions lying around? If so, your parent may be having difficulties managing medications, which can be dangerous on a number of levels.

3. The house does not appear to be properly managed. Is the living space in disarray or unkept looking? Is there expired food or no food in the kitchen? Managing a living space as well as being able to provide yourself with proper nutrition can be a tall order for anyone, but may be increasingly difficult when you are older.

4. Your parent seems to be struggling with proper hygiene. If you have noticed that your parent seems unkempt, then he or she may be struggling with maintaining proper hygiene habits. Maybe he or she feels unsafe showering or has simply let hygiene habits fall by the wayside.

5. Your parent may need to stop driving. Have you noticed any new dents in your parent’s vehicle? Does he or she express concerns about safety one the road? While giving up driving can be a difficult thing to confront, it can be necessary to keep your loved one and others on the road safe.

6. Your parent seems lonely. Social isolation can be a real problem, even when there is not a pandemic. If your parent seems extremely lonely, to the point where he or she may be depressed, this can be a big red flag that he or she may need some in-home help.

An in-home care coordinator can assist your parent in managing day to day life. He or she may be able to rearrange the living spaces and oversee the installation of safety devices to assist in your parent being able to safely navigate the house. Should you need assistance with addressing the long-term care needs of your parent or aging loved one as well as with related legal matters, our office remains committed to serving you in any way we can. Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment.