Signs That Your Elderly Loved One Could Benefit From Home Care

Many older senior citizens want to remain living in their home where they are comfortable. While it is a good idea to respect their wishes, the time may come where your elderly loved one extra help. In this type of situation, a home care company can be of great assistance. Utilizing the services of a home care company can ensure that your elderly loved one has personalized help when you're not able to go to their home. In a lot of cases, the services of a home care company will be covered by insurance. Some of the common signs that your elderly loved one could benefit from home care include the following:

Poor Personal Hygiene

As a person ages, things that used to be simple can become quite difficult. It is not uncommon for elderly people to begin having issues with their own personal hygiene. Pay close attention to how your loved one looks when you see them. If you noticed that your loved one has not been combing their hair or showering properly, there may be an issue. How your loved one is dressed can also be an indicator that help is needed. A home care aide will be able to assist your loved one in day-to-day tasks like bathing, hair brushing, teeth cleaning, and getting dressed for the day.

Drastic Decrease in Weight

It is not uncommon for elderly people to begin to lose weight over time due to aging. However, a drastic weight loss in a short amount of time can be a red flag. If you notice that your loved one has lost a lot of weight, it may be due to the fact that they are forgetting to eat meals regularly. It is also possible that they no longer have the ability to cook or prepare food. Another possibility is that they are not purchasing groceries. In this type of situation, a home care aide can visit your loved one's home and help with meal preparation so your loved one receives the nutrition that they need.

Difficulty Managing Medications

A lot of elderly people develop health issues that require medical care and taking medications. Some older senior citizens have to take multiple medications each day. When a person begins to develop memory loss or dementia, managing medications can become increasingly difficult — not taking medication or taking more than one dose of medication can be dangerous. Hiring a home care service will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your loved one has help managing their medication each day.