The biggest fear seniors face is
losing their independence, according to a 2012 report from the AARP. This
fear, combined with a strong determination to “age in place” at home, is why
many seniors refuse to ask for help – even when it is desperately needed.
As a result, it is often up to the children and other family members to
be aware of signs that indicate their loved one needs help at home. Be
alert to the following signs:
1. Bills are going unpaid. If you notice that your parent is having trouble balancing the checkbook or paying bills on time, it may be time for you to step in and help. ClearCare’s home care software is designed to help seniors with organizing their finances.
2. Personal hygiene is suffering. Basic self-care needs – such as dressing, grooming and bathing – that are not being cared for properly are warning signs that the senior is losing interest in himself or becoming depressed.
3. Medications are not being taken correctly. If you notice that your parent has bottles of expired pills on the counter, you need to become more involved. If the issue can simply be resolved with organizing a pill box – that’s fine. If the problem is more complex, you might want to hire an in-home caregiver that uses ClearCare’s home care system. Utilizing reliable home care software is an excellent way to monitor medications.
4. Unexplained weight loss. If your family member is losing weight for no apparent reason, she may be having trouble preparing nutritious meals on a regular basis. Check out your loved one’s refrigerator and take note of its contents. Expired or rotten foods should raise a red flag.
5. Senior is hoarding. If your parent has begun keeping everything (items that are useless or unnecessary), it may indicate dementia or another illness.
Stay tuned for our next post with 5 more signs to watch out for - plus tips on how a home care system can significantly help.
1. Bills are going unpaid. If you notice that your parent is having trouble balancing the checkbook or paying bills on time, it may be time for you to step in and help. ClearCare’s home care software is designed to help seniors with organizing their finances.
2. Personal hygiene is suffering. Basic self-care needs – such as dressing, grooming and bathing – that are not being cared for properly are warning signs that the senior is losing interest in himself or becoming depressed.
3. Medications are not being taken correctly. If you notice that your parent has bottles of expired pills on the counter, you need to become more involved. If the issue can simply be resolved with organizing a pill box – that’s fine. If the problem is more complex, you might want to hire an in-home caregiver that uses ClearCare’s home care system. Utilizing reliable home care software is an excellent way to monitor medications.
4. Unexplained weight loss. If your family member is losing weight for no apparent reason, she may be having trouble preparing nutritious meals on a regular basis. Check out your loved one’s refrigerator and take note of its contents. Expired or rotten foods should raise a red flag.
5. Senior is hoarding. If your parent has begun keeping everything (items that are useless or unnecessary), it may indicate dementia or another illness.
Stay tuned for our next post with 5 more signs to watch out for - plus tips on how a home care system can significantly help.
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