One of the most difficult things about watching senior parents get older is watching them start to struggle with daily tasks. If your senior parent is living on their own, and you’re worried about their safety, it may be time to get them home care assistance.
Home care assistance is a great way to make sure that your senior parent has all the support they need to continue living in their own home as they age. A home care provider can be there to help your senior parent with tasks that are getting to be too hard for them.
Even though your senior parent may not be able to easily do chores like cooking meals or washing clothes, those things need to get done. With home care assistance, your senior parent won’t have to struggle and risk falling to make sure that the house is clean, safe, and tidy.
How do you know when your parent needs home care assistance? If you’re asking the question, it’s probably time. It’s never too early for home care, but if you are noticing any of these signs, then it’s definitely time to find out more about home care assistance:
Trouble Keeping Up with Daily Chores
If you notice dishes piling up, laundry left undone, or the house looking messier than usual, it could be a sign your parent is struggling with daily chores. Tasks that used to be simple, like vacuuming or taking out the trash, can become exhausting or even unsafe as people get older.
A home care provider can do chores like light cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation so that your senior parent’s home is clean and safe for them.
Changes in Personal Hygiene
Another sign that your senior parent needs help is a change in their hygiene. They may be wearing the same clothes for days, skipping showers, or forgetting to brush their teeth.
These types of changes in hygiene often mean the tasks are too difficult for your parent, or they are forgetting to take care of their hygiene because of memory issues.
Forgetting Medications or Appointments
Many seniors take multiple medications, and it can be hard to keep track of all the pills and schedules. If your parent is skipping doses, mixing up prescriptions, or missing doctor’s appointments, it may be time for help.
A home care provider can give medication reminders, organize medications, and make sure that your senior parent gets to their doctor, dentist, and other appointments.
Struggles with Mobility or Balance
Falls are one of the biggest risks for seniors living alone. If your parent is moving slower than before, holding onto furniture to get around, or has already experienced a fall, that’s a clear sign they need extra support.
A home care provider can make sure they move around safely, assist with walking, and help prevent accidents. This added support brings peace of mind for the whole family.
Isolation or Loneliness
If your parent spends most of their days alone, rarely goes out, or no longer participates in activities they once enjoyed, loneliness may be affecting their well-being. Social isolation can harm both physical and mental health.
A home care provider offers companionship through conversation, shared activities, and outings. This helps your parent feel connected and cared for, even if family members can’t always be there in person.
Noticeable Weight Loss or Poor Eating Habits
If your parent is losing weight, skipping meals, or relying on processed snacks, it could mean cooking has become too tiring or they don’t want to eat alone.
Poor nutrition can lead to serious health issues, especially for seniors. Home care providers can plan meals, shop for groceries, and cook healthy, balanced food. They can even share meals with your parent, which will make mealtimes something your senior parent will look forward to instead of dreading them.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Eden Prairie, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.