As the body grows older, it begins to slowly lose functions, such as mobility and short-term or long-term memory loss. If your elderly loved ones need physical assistance, consider hiring a home care professional to ensure your family member receives the aid they require. These home care services can provide comfort and companionship. Below are five signs that indicate your elderly loved ones could use the help. 

How to Determine if Your Loved One Requires Home Care

1. Decreased Mobility

As the body ages, muscles, flexibility, and balance deteriorate. If your parent has trouble moving or walking, daily chores are not only challenging but also dangerous. Hiring a professional to take care of these tasks mitigates the risk of falls.

2. Decline in Hygiene

Matted hair, dirty clothes, a generally unkempt appearance—all of this indicates that your loved one is having trouble with personal grooming. This may be due to physical difficulties or cognitive decline. Either way, home care professionals can keep them look and feel good by performing basic grooming tasks, from brushing their hair to ensuring they wear antiperspirant. 

3. Memory Loss

Forgetful seniors may be a danger to themselves. For example, if they cook, they may leave a pot burning on the stove which can result in a fire. When memory loss becomes more advanced, having a home care assistant on hand ensures their safety.

4. A Household in Disarray

Lack of mobility and cognitive decline make household tasks such as cleaning the kitchen or picking up clutter off the floor difficult. You may notice piles of laundry or dirty dishes building up. If you see that the home is messy and dirty, consider hiring an elderly care assistant to help keep the house clean. 

5. Loss of Interest in Activities

Seniors can experience depression—those who live alone are especially susceptible. A loss of interest in usual hobbies is one red flag. Even if your loved one is physically capable, the simple social interaction offered by regular home care is soothing as it provides comfort. 

You want your elderly loved ones to enjoy their golden years as much as possible. Let Safe Haven Home Care enhance their quality of life and give you peace of mind. Located in Brooklyn, NY, their caregivers also serve Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. For over 25 years, they have been providing compassionate and reliable service to families and their loved ones. To read more about their services, visit their website. To discuss your loved one’s needs, call (718) 968-6970.