Many seniors prefer to “age in place,” or remain in their own homes as long as possible as they get older. Although many people are able to do so without too many problems, others may require more care and assistance to manage their everyday tasks. To ensure your loved one remains safe and healthy, watch for these signs that they need an in-home caregiver to help.

When to Hire a Caregiver for a Senior 

1. Nutrition Issues

If you notice that your parent is losing weight or not eating healthy meals, they may need some help. Watch for excessive amounts of spoiled food, which can be a sign of several problems, including an inability to shop, not eating enough, or the inability to prepare meals.

2. Safety Problems

Look around your loved one’s home. Are there safety hazards, such as loose rugs, stairs, or uneven flooring that present a falling hazard? Is your loved one following basic safety precautions, like turning off appliances when they aren’t in use?

Although changes to the home environment can make it safer for your loved one, hiring a caregiver provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. They can help with chores, such as keeping the home clean and sanitary. 

3. Lack of Personal Hygiene

Keep an eye on your loved one’s personal hygiene. If they aren’t regularly bathing and performing basic hygiene and grooming tasks, they could need some help.

Other signs of a problem could be not changing their clothes or dressing appropriately for the weather, not doing laundry, and dirty linens and towels piling up.

4. Medication Problems

If your loved one is not taking their medication correctly—not taking it on time, missing doses, or taking too much or not enough of their medicine—then supervision and help is a must. A caregiver can ensure that medication is taken as directed, prescriptions are properly filled, and watch for signs of problems like allergic reactions or severe side effects. 

5. Emotional Challenges

Your parent’s physical and emotional health is strongly influenced by social interaction. However, aging can often lead to isolation and loneliness, which in turn can exacerbate other issues.

If you begin to notice signs of depression in your loved one, including changes in mood, weight and appetite, a loss of interest in activities, and withdrawal, hiring a caregiver can help provide some interaction and human contact to support better engagement. 

If you see any of these signs and think your loved one needs the help of a professional caregiver, turn to Polish Helping Hands in Unionville, CT. For more than 30 years, this reputable in-home care agency has worked with Hartford County families to provide compassionate and experienced care when it’s needed the most. They provide tailored services ranging from live-in caretakers to overnight care, ensuring their health and safety. Their caretakers also speak Polish, Russian, and English. Call (860) 404-0499 to discuss your needs or visit the website to learn more about their services.