Knowing when your family member may need assistance at home can be daunting, says Hartford HealthCare at Home’s Karen Pagliaro.
“When visiting, look around,” she says. “Is the home not cared for the way it had been in the past? Are there dishes in the sink, laundry piling up, newspaper scattered throughout the home? Do you notice that their hygiene is lacking or they are wearing the same clothes?
“If the answer is yes to these questions than it may be time to have help for them in their home. Assistance does two things: It allows for the tasks to be completed, but it also provides for more socialization for your loved one, and without leaving their home!”
The following signs may indicate help is needed:
- Loss of memory.
- Increased confusion.
- Balance issues.
- Poor hygiene.
- Difficulty getting around.
Additionally, signs within a loved one’s home can also indicate a developing problem.
These include:
- Increased messiness or clutter.
- Lack of home maintenance.
- Spoiled food in fridge.
- Unopened mail.
If your loved one is displaying one or more of these signs, it’s time to have a serious discussion about home care options. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to recognize that home care services can enhance independence and allow them the option of remaining in the comfort of their home as long as possible.
