When to Consider Home Care

Important questions to ask

As people age, changes in their abilities are often gradual and subtle.  That’s why it can be difficult for families and care providers to know when a loved one may need help with their daily activities.

Frequently, there are signs that may indicate a person is having trouble providing their own care. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, it might be time to schedule a homecare evaluation.

Has your loved one experienced any of the following?

A recent fall or complaints of dizziness, feeling unsteady on their feet?
Have they limited their activities or become more isolated?
Weight loss, or are they experiencing a loss of appetite?
Becoming increasingly forgetful? Do new situations cause them confusion and/or anxiety?
A change in their personal hygiene? Do they appear to be bathing less often and/or appearing unkempt?
Experiencing difficulties getting to appointments and/or running errands?
Forget to take their medications, or are they taking multiple medications prescribed by different providers?
Do they live alone with no local family or friends? Do they need to be in assisted living or a skilled nursing home but want to stay in their home?
Is there a new diagnosis, recent hospitalization or illness requiring health education?

While these are not the only signs that may suggest a person may need help caring for themselves, they are a good starting point for considering home care.