It can be very difficult for a senior adult to give up some independence. It’s a natural human need to want to be independent, so seeking assistance or admitting they can no longer do something they have been doing for years can be a big challenge for aging loved ones.

There are signs that will appear when your senior really shouldn’t be living on their own anymore. If you’re able to recognize these signs, you’ll know it’s time to arrange for an in-home care service. That way your loved one won’t be alone and you won’t have to worry for their safety or well-being.

Some of the warning signs you can look for are things like the following:

• A decrease in their mobility. When you see they aren’t able to balance as well as before, or there’s more instability when trying to walk around, turn corners and so forth, this can be a risk factor when they are living alone. Even when using walkers or canes, they have to be stable enough on their feet so they don’t end up tripping or falling. Osteoporosis or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s will also have an impact on muscle strength and coordination.
• Daily tasks and errands – are they getting done? Are bills getting paid, on time? Seniors must be able to perform daily tasks of living such as grocery shopping, making healthy meals, cleaning up the house and so on. If physical or mental state is interfering with the daily tasks of life, it’s time to get your loved one some help and assistance.
• Kitchen duties and operations such as working the stove and oven sufficiently so that food can be cooked and prepared. This includes remembering to turn off the stove or oven after use. These are safety concerns with many seniors living alone. Inability to do these everyday tasks is an indication your loved one needs someone’s help.
• Your senior has dropped out of their social life or circle of friends. This could have many causes, and it’s imperative to find and fix the cause. It could be incontinence, depression, illness or the inability or lack of confidence to drive. Whatever the cause, a professional caregiver can also help provide transportation and even accompany the elderly loved one to the destination, such as to a doctor’s appointment.
• If there are questions about your loved one’s memory – perhaps medications are not being taken on time or they are missing doctor’s appointments.

These are all signs that something is amiss and your senior loved one needs some assistance. Employing home care means your parent is getting quality care when you can’t be there, and you enjoy the peace of knowing they are being taken care of and aren’t alone at home.