Considering Home Care: 10 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help
If you’ve heard of the 40-70 rule, you know it’s a helpful guidepost for kicking off conversations about care. When you’re 40 or your aging parents are 70, it could be time to begin evaluating their needs and planning for their future. While this rule offers a good starting point, it’s important not to rely on age alone as the real indicator of when care is necessary.
Many adults want to be able to age in place, or stay in your own home as you get older.1 Aging and ability looks different for everyone, and your parents may show signs of needing help long before, or even after, reaching a certain age. If you’re able to recognize certain changes in their daily habits, health, or behavior, you have a better chance of gaining a clear picture of when to step in.
By staying proactive and watching for specific signs, you can help your loved ones get the extra support they need to remain safe, comfortable, and happy living at home.
10 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help
Some of the most visible and impactful signs you might want to examine first include hygiene, eating habits, and physical decline because these can pose serious immediate health risks. Then you’ll want to take a look at situational concerns like financial troubles and home maintenance difficulties. Let’s review ten common indicators of when an older parent might be ready for in-home care or companionship services.
1. Hygiene & Grooming Neglect
If your aging parents are struggling with personal hygiene, you may notice unwashed hair, body odor, or wearing soiled clothing. They may also neglect grooming habits, such as untrimmed nails or an unkempt appearance. These changes may reflect physical limitations or memory issues preventing self-care. Age-in-place home care services can assist with bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene tasks. If left unaddressed, poor hygiene can contribute to infections and a decline in overall health.
2. Changes in Eating Habits
Significant weight loss or gain can indicate that your loved one is experiencing difficulty preparing meals, forgetting to eat, or relying on unhealthy convenience foods. You might also notice irregular eating patterns or expired food accumulating in the fridge. If meal preparation becomes a struggle, it may be time to consider in-home care services to support their nutritional needs. A balanced diet is essential for maintaining energy levels, immune function, and general well-being.
3. Physical Decline
Frequent unexplained bruises or injuries could indicate falls or difficulty with balance. Struggles with mobility issues, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or using mobility aids, can put your parent at risk for serious accidents. If you notice these challenges, in-home care professionals can provide mobility support to enhance safety and independence. A decline in physical health can also limit social interactions and daily activities, further affecting their quality of life.
4. Cognitive & Memory Challenges
Forgetfulness, such as misplacing items, forgetting appointments, or struggling with familiar tasks like managing finances, may be signs of cognitive decline. Repeated confusion or aging parents and trouble speaking could indicate the need for assistance. Early recognition of these signs is critical to preventing more serious issues like medication misuse or home safety risks. Cognitive challenges can make everyday tasks overwhelming, leading to frustration and an increased risk of accidents.
5. Behavioral or Emotional Changes
Mood swings, increased irritability, or sadness are common signs of emotional distress in older adults. They may also become socially withdrawn, avoiding family and friends or losing interest in hobbies. These changes are often early indicators of mental health decline or depression. Regular engagement with caregivers or companions can help mitigate these issues and promote emotional well-being. Addressing mental health concerns early can boost your loved one’s outlook on life.
6. Sleep Disruptions
If your loved one is experiencing insomnia, excessive napping, or changes in sleep patterns, they may be struggling with fatigue, reduced resilience, and lower quality of life. Addressing sleep concerns early can prevent further health complications and improve their overall vitality. Chronic sleep disturbances are yet another stepping stone to more complications, as they may contribute to memory problems, mood swings, and increased fall risk.
7. Difficulty Managing Medications
Missed doses, incorrect medication use, or struggles with organizing prescriptions are serious concerns. Improper medication management can cause significant health complications. In-home care services can provide medication reminders and organization to ensure your parent follows their prescribed treatment plan. Proper medication adherence is crucial for managing chronic conditions and preventing hospitalizations.
8. Home Maintenance Neglect
Messy or unsafe living conditions, such as accumulating trash, cluttered floors, or broken appliances, can indicate that caring for aging parents has become overwhelming. If you notice these signs, home care services can assist with light housekeeping to maintain a safe and comfortable environment. A neglected home can pose trip hazards, increase stress, and diminish an older person's sense of independence.
9. Signs of General Neglect
Difficulty with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, running errands, or dressing appropriately for the weather may suggest a broader need for consistent in-home support. If mail and packages are piling up, appointments are missed, or bills go unpaid, it may be time to consider additional assistance. These signs can also indicate a lack of motivation or worsening physical or cognitive conditions that require intervention.
10. Financial Troubles
Mismanaged finances, overdue payment notices, and unusual financial behaviors—such as giving away money inappropriately or falling victim to scams—are warning signs that your aging parents and elder care needs may be increasing. Keeping an eye on financial stability can help prevent serious financial issues and ensure their well-being. Financial mismanagement can put seniors at risk for scams and economic insecurity.
Ensuring Comfort & Safety at Home
Recognizing these signs early can help your parents maintain their independence and age in place safely. The National Institute on Aging provides even more information on how to determine if an older adult needs help and how to help them plan for the future.2
Taking care of aging parents is a significant responsibility, but professional in-home care services can provide the physical, emotional, and household support they need. These services can be short-term to help someone recovering from an illness or operation or provide temporary support, and they can also be long-term for ongoing assistance.1
If you’ve noticed these signs in your loved one, now is the time to explore the benefits of expert home care and companionship. Contact Comfort Keepers Philadelphia to discuss your concerns and learn how we can help your family members live comfortably and safely at home.
By: Our Care Team
