Aging happens at a different pace from person to person. Some are strong and well enough to live on their own well into old age, while others need in-home care for assistance to complete everyday tasks. Evaluate the needs of your loved one by visiting and observing them as they go about their daily routine. Look out for any indications or red flags that they might need an extra hand around the house.  

Why Seniors Need In-home Care

1. Decline in Health

Around 80 percent of elderly persons have at least one chronic disease. If left unmanaged, this could put them at a higher risk for other illnesses. A common indicator of declining health or disease is excessive weight loss or weight gain. This problem could stem from an unhealthy diet or could even be caused by inconsistently taking their medications.

2. Poor Hygiene

Older adults may neglect their basic hygiene and household cleanliness whenever they are in pain, feel sick, or have difficulties with day-to-day living. Pay particular attention to what they’re wearing, how they look, and whether their home is a mess. These are likely signs that something may need to be adjusted in their daily life.

3. Falls or Injuries

Elderly people are more prone to falls and injuries as they become more physically imbalanced with age. Stairs, rugs, and clutter around the home can be fall hazards to your loved one and may cause serious injuries if not cleared away. If your loved one is experiencing falls or injuries more than usual, they may benefit from some assistance around the house.

4. Forgetfulness

Since sharp memory tends to fade as people age, it’s not uncommon for older adults to forget things. But if your senior loved one shows frequent episodes of forgetfulness, such as failing to recall names, leaving the stove on, getting lost on a familiar route, or accumulating stacks of unpaid bills, they may be showing symptoms of serious illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s.  

5. Reduced Social Interaction

Older adults are also susceptible to disorders like anxiety and depression when they have limited social interactions. While this may be due to several reasons, such as fear of injuries when outside or loss of friends, find out why they feel lonely, seem isolated from others, or have lost interest in their hobbies. Behavioral changes, if left unaddressed, can be detrimental to your aging family member.

If your loved one needs someone to look after them in their golden years, Visiting Angels in Lexington, KY, can provide the in-home care your senior relative deserves. From meal preparation to transportation services, their team of trained caregivers will happily lend a helping hand. To learn more about their senior home care services, give them a call at (859) 223-0398, or visit their website.