10 Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care

As your loved one ages, it’s normal for them to experience some challenges, but knowing when to seek support can be difficult.

While deciding to bring a caregiver into your home isn’t always easy, it is important to keep your loved one safe, offer companionship and connection, and improve their quality of life. If you’ve been wondering whether they need extra help, these ten common signs may indicate that it’s time.

1. Difficulty With Daily Activities

If your loved one struggles with basic tasks like dressing, cooking, or using the bathroom, it may be time for assistance. These challenges often lead to frustration or embarrassment, causing older adults to hide their struggles, especially if they don’t want to leave their home. A home health aide can help your loved one with their daily routine right in the comfort of their own familiar surroundings.

2. Changes in Personal Hygiene

Noticeable changes in hygiene may indicate mobility issues, depression, or memory issues that make self-care difficult. Home caregivers can provide necessary support with these tasks, helping your loved one live comfortably.

3. Frequent Falls or Balance Issues

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and even a minor fall can have lasting consequences. If your loved one is experiencing unexplained bruising, frequent falls, or reduced mobility, a home care provider will help reduce fall risks by helping them move safely around the home.

4. Memory Loss or Confusion

Occasional forgetfulness is normal as we age, but missing medications, forgetting to pay bills, getting lost, or repeating questions may indicate your loved one is experiencing cognitive problems. Home health aides can provide important reminders and supervision, helping your loved one stay safe when their memory becomes unreliable.

5. Poor Nutrition or Weight Loss

Good nutrition is vital to your loved one’s strength, immunity, and mental health. If you have noticed an empty fridge, expired food, or sudden weight loss, it may mean your loved one is forgetting to buy groceries or unable to cook safely. An in-home caregiver can support your loved one by grocery shopping, preparing meals, and ensuring they are eating enough.

6. Difficulty Managing Medications

If your loved one is forgetting to take their medications, mixing medications improperly, or taking the wrong dose, it can be extremely risky. A home care professional will provide medication reminders and monitor your loved one to prevent dangerous complications.

7. A Declining Home Environment

A once-tidy home becoming cluttered, dirty, or unsafe can be a sign that everyday tasks are becoming overwhelming for your loved one. Many home care services provide light housekeeping support, which can make a huge difference in your loved one’s well-being, comfort, and safety.

8. Withdrawal or Isolation

If your loved one is avoiding social activities, no longer seeing their friends, or spending most of their time alone, they may be experiencing loneliness or depression, which can significantly worsen their health. Introducing a caregiver into the home will offer them companionship, connection, and social engagement.

9. Increased Health Issues or Hospital Visits

Frequent doctor visits, emergency room trips, or worsening chronic conditions may mean your loved one needs closer day-to-day support to manage their health effectively. Consistent home care can help promote safety and good health and reduce hospitalizations for your loved one.

10. Caregiver Burnout

Sometimes a negative impact on your wellness is the biggest indicator that home care is necessary. If you feel exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed, it may be time to seek support. Home care provides you with relief and peace of mind while ensuring your loved one gets consistent, quality care at home.

How Home Care Options Can Help

Recognizing these signs is important so that you can take proactive steps to help your loved one. Home care services can be personalized to your loved one’s unique needs and range from a few hours a week to full-time support.

With Home Care Options, you receive compassionate, dependable, and responsive care from a trusted name you already know: Christian Health. Our certified home-health aides offer kind support, companionship, and helpful services, such as personal care, housekeeping, and mobility assistance, so your loved one can enjoy comfort, safety, and peace of mind in familiar surroundings.

To learn more about how we can support you, please call (201) 897-5550, send an email to HCO@ChristianHealthNJ.org, or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/HomeCareOptions.