There are a number of signs indicating that a person may need personal or medical assistance in the home. The following questions are intended to assist you in identifying if there is an immediate need for care.

Appearance. Looking at one’s appearance can be a sign that they are physically or mentally limited from completing otherwise normal daily tasks.

• Are the clothes they wear dirty or stained?
• Does your loved one appear to bathe daily?
• Is their hair combed?
• Do they brush their teeth?
• Do they appear to be losing weight?

Mental Status. Listening to what and how your loved one speaks will tell a lot about their current mental status. 

• Are they up on current events?
• Do they sleep a lot?
• Have they forgotten to refill or take their medications?
• Have they missed doctor’s appointments?

Surroundings. Surveying your loved one’s environment will help you determine if they are eating and living healthy. Looking at their food and monitoring their medications can help prevent them from eating bad food or worse, taking expired or wrong medications.

• Is there a large amount of trash, clutter, dust, or dirt?
• Are unpaid or unopened bills piling up?
• Has the overall housekeeping declined (dirty floors, bathtub, etc.)?

If you sense a problem based on the above questions, you should waste no time in taking appropriate steps to provide help for your loved one. As difficult as the process might be, remind yourself that by being proactive you will not only provide safety for your loved one, but may also keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Whether you need someone to talk to about available care options, or how to use the medical equipment your loved one has, Compassionate Care Home Health Services, Inc. will be there for you. Request a free assessment now. We will sit down with you, your loved one, and all involved in their care and design a care plan customized to meet their individual needs. As services continue, this care plan can be changed as needed to fit your loved ones' changing needs.