Recognizing the Signs: When Seniors May Need Extra Support at Home
As we prepare to welcome the summer season, Americans all over the nation are preparing for summer vacations. For some families, summer provides more opportunities to spend with an aging loved one who may live locally. For others, vacation destinations may include a stop at an aging loved one’s home who happens to live far away. In either scenario, you may find yourself in a situation where you begin to wonder whether or not Mom or Dad, or great-aunt or great-uncle are managing well at home.
Although every situation is different, there are a few common signs your aging loved one needs help at home that we at Visiting Angels Sheboygan see over and over again as we meet with families. Here are five signs that often indicate your loved one needs extra support at home. We encourage you to look for these signs during your next visit, (or the lack thereof) to help you discern next steps.
Unkempt Home
One obvious sign your aging loved one needs more help at home is that their home appears to be unkempt. Bearing in mind their usual level of cleanliness, an aging loved one who can’t seem to keep up with the dishes, mail pile, dusting, and other basic housekeeping chores is probably ready to receive some help at home. While piles of laundry and dozens of cobwebs can be easy to spot, another area of the home to observe is the pantry or refrigerator, which can contain expired foods. Visiting Angels Sheboygan offers light housekeeping as part of our amazing home care services.
Noticeable Changes in Their Home Environment
Along with an unkempt home, seniors who are struggling to maintain their independence at home often make noticeable changes to their home environment. Sometimes these changes are intentional, but more often than not, the changes occur accidentally. Look for signs of scorched pots or pans, which can indicate they’re forgetting to monitor meals they’re preparing. Our professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Sheboygan can help with meal planning and preparation, ensuring your loved one stays safe in the kitchen. They can also help ensure the home environment remains a safe place for your aging loved one and notify you about any environmental concerns.
Ungroomed Appearance
Another obvious sign that your aging loved one needs more help at home is their physical appearance. Families should take note of their loved one’s grooming habits. Really take a look at your aging loved one and notice the length of their fingernails, observe how they’re caring for their hair, and notice how their skin looks. Are they wearing soiled clothing? Do they have a strong body odor that may indicate they’re not bathing regularly? When was the last time they had a haircut and how does that compare with previous habits? Visiting Angels Sheboygan offers personal care services, which includes assistance with dressing, bathing, and grooming. Our caregivers can ensure your loved one stays clean and always looks their best, helping to preserve their dignity.
Unpaid Bills
Unpaid bills and mismanaged finances is another common sign your loved one may need more help at home. Although many seniors prefer to keep their finances private, it’s important that a trusted family member review your aging loved one’s finances or at the very least, have a direct conversation with them about this topic. An easy, unobtrusive way to observe how your loved one is doing financially is to check to see if their license plates are up-to-date. This can gently open a conversation about other financial matters, such as unpaid bills, unbalanced check books, or bounced checks. If you aren’t sure how to approach your aging loved one, CarePatrol of Sheboygan, can help you start a conversation.
Mismanaged Medications
Lastly, families can look for signs of mismanaged medications, which often indicates your aging loved one needs more help at home. Check their prescriptions, looking for expiration dates. Observe how they manage their medications–do they keep a record of what medications they’ve taken or have a pill box system? Ask them about their medications, when was the last time they reviewed their medications with their doctor, and any concerns they have about taking their prescriptions. If they appear confused or can’t keep medications straight, it may be time for more help at home. The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Sheboygan County offers a wealth of local resources for seniors and their families, including what to do if your loved one is neglecting their health and well-being.
Resources for Help at Home
Visiting Angels Sheboygan understands the challenges families face when an aging loved one needs more help at home, but the family lives far away or can’t be present 24/7. We’re here to help. We provide exceptional home care services that address non-medical care needs, such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and meal preparation. Our compassionate caregivers are dedicated to ensuring their clients receive the utmost care and support. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000.