Ask yourself these important questions
As people age, changes in their abilities are often gradual and subtle. That’s why it is often difficult for families and care providers to know when a loved one may need help with their daily activities.
Frequently, there are certain signs that may indicate a person is having trouble providing their own care. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, it might be time to schedule a home-care evaluation for them:
- Has the person experienced any falls?
- Has the person lost weight? Are they experiencing a loss of appetite?
- Is the person becoming increasingly forgetful? Do new situations cause them confusion and/or anxiety?
- Has there been a change in their personal hygiene? Do they appear to be bathing less often and/or appearing unkempt?
- Does it appear that the person is experiencing difficulties getting to appointments and/or running errands?
- Does the person forget to take their medications?
- Does the person live alone with no local family or friends? Do they need to be in a skilled nursing home but want to stay in their home?
- While these are not the only signs that may suggest a person may need help caring for themselves, they are a good starting point when considering home care.
