Many seniors value their independence and strive to maintain it well into their golden years. But at a certain point, seniors may need some help with daily tasks. If you’re currently caring for your senior loved one and feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility, or have noticed your independently-living senior’s condition is declining, it may be time to hire a caretaker. Below are four signs to watch for.

4 Signs Your Loved One Needs a Caretaker 

1. Poor Hygiene

If you’ve noticed your loved one is looking more unkempt than usual, it may be a sign they are unable to care for themselves. They may be suffering from cognitive or motor impairment or depression. They might stop taking showers, forget to brush their teeth or comb their hair, or wear the same clothes multiple days in a row. A caretaker can help them tend to these specific needs.

2. Increasing Medical Needs

For most people, mental and physical health deteriorates with age. At some point, you may find your loved one is unable to safely and healthfully live independently without professional care. For instance, they may develop Alzheimer’s, a severe cardiovascular condition, or mobility limitations. A senior care provider can assist with a variety of tasks, including ensuring your senior takes their medications and makes it to their medical appointments. The caregiver can also help with monitoring blood pressure, checking blood sugar levels, and providing dementia care. They will also ensure your loved one has mobility support to avoid slips and falls.

3. Difficulty With Household Chores

When you visit your loved one, examine their environment, and check for signs of problems such as piles of dirty laundry, a large amount of unopened mail, and spoiled food. They may have trouble cooking, cleaning, and shopping for groceries due to mobility issues or cognitive decline. Check for dents and scratches on their car as well, as this may indicate unsafe driving.

4. Declining Mental Health

Mental health can also decline with age. This can be a result of isolation and loneliness, as well as frustration at not feeling well or being unable to perform tasks as they once could. Seniors may also exhibit signs of dementia, including increased forgetfulness, confusion, and disorientation. This can result in harmful behavior such as skipping medication or accidentally double-dosing or forgetting to eat or pay bills.

If you’re a St. Louis, MO, resident in need of a caretaker for yourself or an elderly loved one, turn to Integrity Plus Home Care. Based in Ferguson, this full-service elderly care agency provides reliable, compassionate in-home care at a fraction of the cost of a nursing home. Call (314) 755-1331 to speak with a friendly staff member about how they can help your loved one enjoy independent senior living. Visit the website to learn more about their range of services.