No matter what age we are, our household tasks seem to never disappear. It is a necessary part of life to keep up with our household duties in order to live in a safe and healthy home. Whether it’s doing the dishes, taking out the trash, completing a load of laundry or making ourselves a nutritious meal, the ability to perform daily tasks and maintain the home can become increasingly more difficult for an aging adult. While many seniors may resist the idea of accepting a helping hand at home, learning how to recognize the signs that a senior may need extra assistance at home is crucial in order to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones.
Difficulty with mobility
If you notice a loved one is experiencing difficulty with simple mobility around the home, this could be one of the most obvious signs they may require extra help. Difficulty with mobility can manifest in numerous ways, such as difficulty getting up from a chair, using stairs, or walking without any assistance. Without the ability to move freely, older adults may have more difficulty with completing household tasks which in turn could make their home unsafe and increase the risk of falls and injuries. In addition, mobility issues can lead to isolation and a decrease in social interaction, which can negatively impact the mental health of older adults.
Changes in personal hygiene
A noticeable change in a senior's ability to perform important tasks such as upkeep of personal hygiene can be a sign your loved one may need an extra hand at home. It may be getting more difficult to complete tasks like bathing, grooming, or getting dressed. Change in personal hygiene may also be a sign of depression or other mental health issues. Speak with your loved one and discuss what may be causing this change.
Difficulty with household tasks
If you notice that your loved one is having more difficulty with tasks such as cleaning the house, cooking meals, and fulfilling laundry duties, it could be a revealing sign that they may benefit from assistance. These tasks can become increasingly difficult for older adults and they may struggle to keep up with them. This may also be a sign that your loved one could be experiencing cognitive decline or physical limitations.
Changes in eating habits
Changes in eating habits can be a sign that a senior may need an extra hand at home. Older adults who are experiencing difficulty preparing meals, remembering to eat, or losing interest in food may be dealing with physical or mental health issues. A change in eating habits can lead to malnutrition in seniors, which can have very serious consequences for seniors' health and well-being.
Forgetfulness
Forgetting a little bit here and there can happen at any age, but if it’s happening often, it can also be a sign of a more serious issue and can be related to the onset of dementia. If you notice your loved one is struggling to remember important appointments, events, or tasks, it may be time to consider finding them an extra hand around the home through a caregiving agency. It is important to get older adults the help they need so they don’t miss their necessary medication doses or other important health-related tasks.
Increased isolation
Older adults who are becoming increasingly isolated could mentally benefit from the assistance and extra presence around the house. Social interaction is important for mental and physical health, and seniors who are isolated may be at risk of depression and anxiety. Plus, isolation can make it more difficult for seniors to get the help they need, as they may not have anyone to turn to for assistance.
Unexplained bruising or injuries
If you notice your loved one is developing unexplained scrapes and bruises on their body, this could be a sign they are having difficulty with mobility or other health issues. Difficulty with mobility can cause an older adult to be at higher risk of falls which can lead to even more serious health issues. In addition, unexplained bruising or injuries can be a sign of abuse or neglect, so it is important to find out the cause of these injuries as soon as possible to get the proper help necessary in order for your loved one to continue living a safe and meaningful life.
Deciding the right time to bring an extra helping hand into the home of a loved one can be difficult to recognize since there are various factors that must first be analyzed. As mentioned above, there are many different signs a senior may need help around the house or with their own personal care but the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the aging senior. Yet sometimes, an intervention may be necessary. If you notice any of these signs in a loved one in your life, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible and consider getting them the assistance necessary for their health and well-being. Whether it’s through in-home care, assisted living, or other forms of support, there are many options available to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
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