10 Clear Signs Your Loved One Needs In-Home Care

Wondering if your loved one needs in-home care? Discover 10 signs that indicate it could be time for in-home caregiving. Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights offers compassionate, professional care to help seniors age in place safely and independently.

If you're concerned about your senior loved one in Inver Grove Heights or the surrounding area, call Comfort Keepers today to learn how we can help.

Many seniors want to age in the comfort of their own home. However, even the most self-reliant elderly adults need some assistance from time-to-time. In-home care can help your parents age in place with both independence and safety.

But how do you know when to consider in-home care for your elderly parents? In this article, the expert caregivers at Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights will give you an overview of senior caregiving and outline the signs it’s time for in-home care.

What is In-Home Senior Care?

In-home care encompasses a broad array of non-medical assistance that seniors can benefit from, all in the safety and comfort of their own home. For aging seniors, in-home care can play a critical role in maintaining their independence—giving them the support they need without necessitating a senior living facility.

In-home care professionals can assist with a variety of tasks, including:

Daily living activities like dressing and grooming
Transportation
Meal preparation
Light housekeeping
Errands
Medication and appointment reminders
Socialization

In-home care doesn’t just benefit seniors; it also benefits their families. When you hire a professional caregiver, you don’t have to worry about your parent’s safety, and you can avoid burnout from trying to care for them on top of your other responsibilities. With in-home care, you can just focus on spending quality time with your loved ones.

10 Signs it's Time for In-Home Care for Your Loved One

Deciding when to seek in-home care for an aging loved one is never easy. Many seniors value their independence and may be reluctant to admit they need help. As a family member, you want to respect their wishes while ensuring they stay safe, happy, and healthy. If your parent or loved one wants to remain in their home as they age, in-home care can be a great way to support their independence while providing the assistance they need.

By paying attention to subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes in their daily life, you can determine when it’s time to have a conversation about professional caregiving. Here are 10 key signs that it may be time to consider in-home care for your elderly parent.

Difficulty with Daily Activities

Struggling with everyday tasks such as cooking, dressing, bathing, or driving can be one of the first signs that your loved one needs help. These challenges may start small—such as skipping meals, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, or avoiding trips outside the home—but over time, they can become overwhelming and even dangerous.

When seniors have difficulty with daily activities, they may experience frustration, embarrassment, or even anxiety about losing their independence. Some may try to hide their struggles, fearing that asking for help means giving up their autonomy. However, in-home care is designed to provide the right level of support while empowering seniors to maintain as much independence as possible.

A professional caregiver can step in to assist with essential activities of daily living.

Challenges with Hygiene

As seniors age, maintaining personal hygiene can become increasingly difficult due to mobility challenges, fatigue, or cognitive decline. Simple tasks like bathing, brushing hair, or changing clothes may feel exhausting or even unsafe, leading to a noticeable decline in self-care. If your loved one frequently wears the same clothes, has an unkempt appearance, or avoids bathing and grooming, it may be a sign that they need assistance.

Poor hygiene can have serious consequences beyond appearance—it can lead to skin infections, dental issues, unpleasant odors, and an increased risk of illness. Additionally, neglecting hygiene can impact self-esteem and overall mental well-being, causing seniors to withdraw from social interactions out of embarrassment or discomfort.

A professional caregiver can provide gentle, respectful assistance with:

Bathing and showering – Ensuring safety in the bathroom while helping with washing and grooming.
Dressing and grooming – Helping seniors maintain their personal style and feel confident in their appearance.
Oral care – Assisting with brushing teeth or dentures to support good dental hygiene.
Laundry and clean clothing – Ensuring seniors have access to fresh, comfortable clothing and bedding.

Balance Issues

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, often resulting in fractures, hospitalizations, or a loss of independence. If your loved one has been experiencing frequent falls, unsteadiness, or difficulty navigating stairs, it may be time to consider in-home care. Even small balance issues can pose serious risks, especially if your loved one lives alone or struggles to get up after a fall.

Aging can bring changes in muscle strength, coordination, and vision, all of which impact balance. Certain medications or medical conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathy, can further increase the risk of falls. Warning signs to watch for include:

Holding onto furniture or walls for stability
Hesitation when walking or standing up
Dizziness or difficulty moving after sitting for long periods
Unexplained bruises or minor injuries from stumbles

Professional caregivers can provide crucial fall-prevention support, helping seniors stay safe while maintaining their mobility and independence. They can assist with:

Clearing pathways – Removing tripping hazards like clutter, loose rugs, or electrical cords.
Mobility assistance – Offering steady support when walking, using stairs, or getting in and out of chairs.
Home modifications – Recommending safety adjustments such as grab bars, proper lighting, and slip-resistant mats.
Exercise and movement – Encouraging gentle physical activity to improve strength and coordination.

Malnutrition

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a senior’s health, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, many older adults struggle to maintain a balanced diet due to various factors, including memory decline, mobility issues, or a reduced appetite. If your loved one is experiencing unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or showing signs of malnutrition, they may not be eating properly.

In-home caregivers can provide essential support to help seniors maintain proper nutrition, including:

Meal planning and preparation – Creating well-balanced, senior-friendly meals that cater to dietary needs and restrictions.
Grocery shopping assistance – Ensuring fresh, healthy food is always available at home.
Encouraging hydration – Helping seniors drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Providing companionship during meals – Many seniors eat better when they have someone to share a meal with, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving their appetite.

A Declining Home Environment

A clean and organized home is essential for a senior’s safety and well-being. If your loved one’s once tidy and well-kept home has become cluttered, dirty, or disorganized, it may be a sign that they are struggling to keep up with household tasks. This decline can result from physical limitations, cognitive challenges, or fatigue, making it difficult to manage cleaning, laundry, and other chores.

Some warning signs to look for include:

Piles of clutter – Unopened mail, newspapers, or general disarray can indicate difficulty keeping up with organization.
Accumulating dust, dirt, or grime – A noticeable lack of cleanliness in the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas may suggest your loved one is unable to maintain their home.
Unwashed dishes and laundry – Dirty dishes piling up in the sink and overflowing laundry baskets can signal that chores have become overwhelming.
Safety hazards – Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting increase the risk of falls or injuries.
Expired food or unpleasant odors – Spoiled food or an unkempt environment can lead to health concerns and indicate a need for assistance.

A declining home environment can impact both physical and mental health. Living in a messy or unsafe space can lead to increased stress, a higher risk of falls, and even a decline in self-esteem and motivation.

In-home caregivers can help by:

Providing light housekeeping – Assisting with dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and general tidying to maintain a clean and comfortable living space.
Organizing and decluttering – Ensuring pathways remain clear to reduce fall risks and improve safety.
Assisting with laundry and linens – Keeping clothing and bedding fresh and clean for comfort and hygiene.
Monitoring for safety concerns – Identifying potential hazards and suggesting modifications to enhance home safety.

Forgetfulness

Occasional forgetfulness is common with aging, but frequently missing appointments, misplacing items, forgetting to pay bills, or neglecting personal responsibilities may indicate a deeper issue. Forgetfulness can also be an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. An in-home caregiver can provide gentle reminders and structured routines to help keep your loved one on track.

Social Isolation

Social interaction is essential for mental and emotional well-being, yet many seniors experience increasing isolation as they age. If your loved one has become withdrawn, avoids social activities they once enjoyed, or rarely leaves the house, it could be a sign that they need extra support.

Some common signs of social isolation include:

Avoiding phone calls or visits – If your loved one no longer reaches out to friends and family, it may indicate loneliness or depression.
A lack of interest in hobbies or activities – A sudden disinterest in favorite pastimes can suggest emotional struggles or cognitive decline.
Limited mobility or transportation issues – Difficulty driving or walking long distances can make it challenging to stay connected with others.
Changes in mood or personality – Increased irritability, sadness, or anxiety may stem from a lack of social engagement.

Loneliness can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even chronic conditions like heart disease. Having regular companionship is just as important as receiving physical care.

Missed Appointments or Medications

As seniors age, their health becomes the utmost priority. Elderly adults need to regularly visit their doctors and stay on top of their prescriptions to maintain a high quality of life. Particularly when it comes to medication, missing a dose or taking the wrong pill could have serious health consequences. If your parents aren't able to manage their healthcare alone, professional caregivers can be a valuable resource.

Behavioral Changes

If your loved one has become uncharacteristically depressed or anxious, or if they exhibit sudden mood swings, it could be a sign that they are experiencing emotional or mental struggles. A home caregiver can offer day-to-day assistance and companionship to help parent feel more secure and comfortable.

Unexplained Injuries

Does your parent have unexplained bruises, cuts, or scrapes? These minor injuries could indicate that your loved one is having difficulty doing daily living activities or keeping their balance. They may be trying to hide the issue to avoid worrying you, or they may feel embarrassed because they are struggling to complete tasks that used to be easy for them. While your loved one may be sensitive about asking for help, an in-home caregiver can make a world of difference.

All of these behaviors are signs it is time for in-home care. If your parents are hesitant to admit they need help, approach them gently, assure them that aging is nothing to be ashamed of, and suggest in-home care as an option. Remind your loved ones that a home caregiver can provide the help they need and improve their quality of life—while allowing them to enjoy greater autonomy. You will be glad you did.

Learn More About Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights:

Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights offers the best in-home care in Dakota County, Minnesota, serving Inver Grove Heights, East Bloomington, Eagan, and the surrounding areas.

At Comfort Keepers, we pride ourselves on our unique Interactive CaregivingTM model. Interactive Caregiving addresses all aspects of a senior’s wellbeing: mental acuity, physical activity, nutrition, and safety. With this holistic approach, Comfort Keepers’ professional staff helps seniors maximize their quality of life.