Here’s the truth: no one wakes up one morning and says, “Today’s the day I need to hire in-home care.” It sneaks up on you. One day, you notice the fridge is empty except for ketchup packets, or you find yourself worrying every time the phone rings because what if Mom fell again? Let’s talk about five clear signs it might be time to bring in extra help.

  1. Frequent Falls or Safety Risks
     If your loved one is stumbling, tripping, or struggling with stairs, it’s not just “old age.” Falls are one of the most significant risks for seniors, and recovery isn’t always simple. A caregiver can help with mobility and keep the home safe.
  2. Decline in Personal Care
     Unwashed hair, clothes worn for days, or skipped showers aren’t about laziness, they’re about your loved one struggling with the physical effort. A caregiver can help maintain dignity and hygiene without making it feel clinical.
  3. Poor Nutrition or Missed Meals
     If dinner is a microwaved candy bar (yes, I’ve seen it happen), it’s time to step in. Caregivers help with grocery shopping, meal prep, and making sure your loved one actually eats.
  4. Forgetting Medications
     Missed pills or doubling up can be dangerous. Caregivers provide gentle reminders that keep health on track.
  5. Caregiver Burnout in the Family
     This one’s big. If you (the daughter, son, spouse, or friend) are running on fumes, tired, stressed, and stretched thin, it’s time for help. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and trust me, I know how hard it is to ask for backup. 

Remember, burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’ve been trying to do too much by yourself. Letting someone step in doesn’t take away your role; it makes you stronger in it. In my book Let Your Cup Runneth Over, I share more tools for caregivers to refill their cups without guilt, because you can’t pour from empty.

A Note from Someone Living with MS
 As someone who battles my own chronic illness, I get it; asking for help feels like losing independence. But I promise you, it’s actually the opposite. The right support gives you more freedom, not less.

Conclusion + CTA:
 If these signs sound familiar, you don’t have to wait until there’s a crisis. In-home care is about prevention, not just reaction.

 Curious what flexible care could look like for your family?Email us at marietta@carebuildersathome.com to start the conversation.