As a loved one ages, they may eventually need home health care to help handle daily tasks. Senior care services provide assistance if your aging family member experiences decreased mobility, cognitive issues, or similar concerns. Here, review signs that you should start researching caregiver options.

4 Signs Indicating an Older Loved One Needs Home Health Care

1. Forgetfulness

While everyone is distracted sometimes, consistent forgetfulness typically calls for elderly care assistance. Forgetting bills, the location of common objects, medication, and names signals the need for care. With a caregiver, you ensure that your loved one manages their responsibilities and remains safe. Depending on the degree of forgetfulness, you may want to discuss your family member’s symptoms with a physician.

2. Difficulty With Hygiene

Personal grooming issues signal changes in emotional or cognitive health. Hygiene problems can also occur because of decreased mobility, such as difficulties climbing stairs or going to the bathroom. Caregivers provide bathing and grooming assistance to prevent hygiene-related health issues—such as gingivitis and gum disease—as well as infections and illnesses from bacteria.

3. Housekeeping & Diet Problems

As with cleanliness, poor housekeeping and diet deficiencies can indicate mobility, emotional, or cognitive issues. Home health care services ensure that your loved one’s residence remains clean to prevent wellness problems from dust accumulation, bacterial buildup, and slippery floors, among other household issues. The caregiver also provides cooking assistance to help your loved one enjoy balanced, nutritious meals.

4. Fall-Related Injuries

If your loved one experiences an injury from a recent fall, look into preventive methods, such as installing non-slip flooring, handrails, and a motorized stair climber. These devices help your loved one access different areas of the house while remaining independent. A caregiver will remind the individual to use the products and equipment, and provide help to reduce the loved one’s fall risk significantly. 

Discuss your family member’s needs with the compassionate team at Susta’s Health Solutions LLC, the home health care service assisting residents throughout Saint Louis and the surrounding counties in Missouri. Caregiver services include bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders, errand runs, light housekeeping, and companionship. Call (314) 833-5940 to speak to a representative about any questions you may have. Learn more about their elderly care services online.