4 Signs Mom or Dad May Need Support in the Home

At Comfort Keepers, we provide in-home care to many families in the Twin Cities. Here are 3 signs your mom or dad may need support in the home to remain independent. 

One of the biggest challenges you may face in your adult life is experiencing a decline in your mom or dad’s health and accepting that they may need support in and around their home to remain independent and safe. Evaluating the safety and health of your mom or dad is an emotional process that requires delicacy and promptness at the same time.

If you are like many adult children, your parents are some of the strongest people you know. Acknowledging and accepting that mom or dad, or both, may need help in the home is not admitting weakness or defeat, it is looking out for their best interest before a potentially dangerous or health-declining situation, such as a fall, occurs. 

Over the years, we have helped many adult children throughout the Twin Cities evaluate the health and safety of their mom and dad within their home. We know that considering in-home care is a difficult decision and can be emotional for both you and your parents. 

From our experience, there are 4 consistent signs that your mom or dad may need support within their home to remain independent, engaged, and safe. 

Loneliness and  Isolation

Loneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. According to a University of San Francisco study, 40% of seniors experience loneliness.

The negative effects of loneliness are substantial. Here are a few statistics to consider:

• Loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26 percent (source)
• Loneliness can increase the risk of Dementia by 64% (source)
• Lacking physical connections can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes per day (source)

If you have noticed that mom or Dad are displaying the characteristics of loneliness, such as disengagement or fatigue, now may be a great time to consider looking into in-home senior care. At Comfort Keepers, companionship is a core benefit that our compassionate caregivers provide seniors in the Twin Cities. 

Learn more about Comfort Keepers Companion Care

Limited Mobility

If your mom or dad experiences limited mobility it may be time for in-home support. An in-home caregiver can help your loved one with daily tasks such as housekeeping and provide personal care assistance like bathing and toileting. A caregiver can also help maintain a clean, clutter-free, and safe physical environment for your loved one to be in, and engage in safe physical activities, such as short walks, to help maintain good health. Even with declining mobility, your parent can age safely in the comfort of their own Twin Cities home. 

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Finding out that mom or dad has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be scary. If your parent received an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis just know they are not alone. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 million American’s are currently living with Alzheimer’s. 

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, in-home care may be what they need to remain safe and independent at home. Partnering with an in-home care provider in the Twin Cities whose caregivers have deep experience and training with older adults living with Alzheimer’s and dementia can help provide peace of mind that your loved one is safe, secure, and engaged. 

Learn more about Comfort Keepers Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Poor and Declining Nutrition 

Nutrition is an important component of healthy aging. Seniors require protein and other nutrients to maintain muscle, keep bones strong and promote wellness. If you notice that your mom or dad is losing/gaining weight or experiencing new or worsening health issues, it may be due to poor or declining nutrition and hydration. Because it is important to catch nutrition decline early, if you are concerned it may be time to consider in-home care. At Comfort Keepers, our caregivers help seniors prepare and cook nutrition-rich meals and provide companionship during mealtime. 

Learn more about how Comfort Keepers can help with nutrition

Comfort Keepers Can Help Mom or Dad Remain Independent at Home

At Comfort Keepers, we have the opportunity to provide support to seniors and relief to their families. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your Mom or Dad and are considering in-home care, our team would love to provide you with information about how we can help. To learn more about Comfort Keepers call (651) 372-8736.