Having conversations about in-home care needs with aging parents can feel overwhelming, but recognizing the warning signs early helps ensure their safety and ability to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Here are key signs that it may be time to discuss in-home care options.

#1 Changes in Personal Hygiene and Appearance

One of the earliest signs that parents may need assistance is a noticeable decline in personal care. If loved ones start wearing the same clothes repeatedly, appearing unkempt, or showing signs of poor hygiene, they may be struggling with daily self-care tasks. This could indicate physical limitations, cognitive changes, or simply difficulty managing their routine.

#2 Household Maintenance Issues

Take note of the condition of their living space during visits. Piles of unopened mail, spoiled food in the refrigerator, dirty dishes accumulating, or general clutter throughout the home can signal that daily tasks are becoming overwhelming.

Similarly, if maintenance issues like burnt-out light bulbs going unreplaced or basic repairs are being ignored, they may need help with household management.

#3 Mobility and Safety Concerns

It’s important to watch for signs of unsteadiness, frequent falls, or near-miss incidents. If a parent mentions stumbling, has unexplained bruises, or furniture seems to be rearranged to support walking, these are clear signs that mobility is becoming challenging.

Additionally, observe whether they’re avoiding stairs, struggling to get up from chairs, or moving more cautiously than before. The good news is that in-home care not only gives family members peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are being monitored, but it can also offer recommendations to improve safety in and around the home.

#4 Medication Management Problems

Medication errors can have serious consequences for older adults. Warning signs include finding expired medications, missed doses, duplicate pills suggesting confusion about whether medication was taken, or a parent expressing confusion about their prescription schedule.

Multiple pill bottles scattered around the house or mixing different medications together are also red flags.

#5 Social Isolation and Mood Changes

Aging parents who begin withdrawing from social activities they once enjoyed, declining invitations, or expressing feelings of loneliness may benefit from the companionship that in-home care offers.

Additionally, increased irritability, confusion, forgetfulness, or signs of depression can indicate that additional support would be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.

#6 Transportation and Driving Issues

If a parent has stopped driving, seems anxious about driving, or has unexplained dents or scratches on their vehicle, transportation may become a challenge.

Missed medical appointments, empty refrigerators, or comments about avoiding certain routes or driving conditions can also point to a need for in-home care assistance with errands and appointments.

Approaching the Conversation

If any of these signs are noticed, it is important to approach the topic of in-home care with sensitivity and respect. Frame the conversation around maintaining independence rather than highlighting limitations.

Start by asking open-ended questions about how they’re feeling and what challenges they might be experiencing. Emphasize that in-home care can help them stay in their home longer while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Remember that early intervention often means better outcomes and more options. In-home care can range from light housekeeping and companionship to skilled medical care, ensuring the care plan is based on specific needs.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance their quality of life and help them to maintain their dignity and independence while providing both them and family members with peace of mind.

If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

• https://www.uchealth.org/today/aging-parents-what-to-do-when-parents-need-more-care-than-you-can-provide/
• https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/how-to-know-when-your-parent-needs-in-home-care
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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