By Thomas H. 

As the people we love get older, it’s important to watch for signs they may need help with everyday tasks. Knowing these signs will help you make sure that your loved one is safe and well. If they do need help, you can arrange for a home health aide or become a Family Caregiver. Getting seniors support with chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry helps them to keep living independently and with dignity. Here are the key signs to look out for:

  1. Changes in Appearance or Grooming Habits: Watch for changes in personal hygiene, such as body odor, unkempt appearance, or re-wearing the same clothes. These changes could mean they’re having trouble with bathing, grooming, or doing laundry.

  2. Trouble Moving Around at Home: If you notice any unexplained bruises or injuries, or if someone seems hesitant to leave their home, it could mean they’re having trouble with moving around safely, which might make them more likely to fall.

  3. Neglected Chores: A once tidy home that suddenly becomes messy, a sink filled with dishes, or unopened mail piled on a table can be signs that someone is struggling with tasks like cleaning, cooking, or managing money.

  4. Losing Weight or Eating Differently: If someone suddenly loses weight, has expired food in the fridge, or starts skipping meals, it could mean they’re having difficulty with things like buying groceries, cooking, or remembering to eat regularly.

  5. Forgetting Things and Feeling Confused: Forgetting appointments, medications, or important dates, and feeling confused about daily routines or familiar places might show that someone is having trouble with their memory or thinking.

  6. Less Time with Others: Spending less time with friends and family, not talking much, or not doing hobbies could mean someone is feeling lonely, sad, or finding it hard to get around.

  7. Problems taking Medicine: Missing doses of medicine, not being sure when or how to take prescriptions, or keeping old medicines might show that someone is having trouble managing their medicines by themselves.

  8. Injuries without a Clear Reason: Bruises, cuts, or burns that can’t be explained might be from accidents or falls. They may be a sign that your loved one is having difficulty moving around or that there are things in the home that aren’t safe.

  9. Changes in Mood or Behavior: When someone is happy one minute and then mad or frustrated the next, or if they are acting in ways that seem different, it could mean they are struggling with the challenges of getting older or finding daily tasks hard to do.

  10. Unopened Mail and Money Issues: Having a lot of mail that hasn’t been opened, not paying bills on time, or making strange money choices might show that someone is having trouble managing their money or could be the victim of scams or fraud.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to talk with your loved one about how they can get help. It’s important that you talk about any changes you notice with empathy and respect for your loved one’s independence. 

JEVS Care at Home can help you ensure the well-being and quality of life for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning care and how we help seniors live fully and independently.

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