How To Know When Your Aging Loved One May Need Help At Home

By Dana Campbell, Homewatch Caregivers

Eighty-year-old Anna fell in her bedroom, lying on the floor for six hours until a worried neighbor called police. Anna was taken to the hospital with a broken hip. The story is all too familiar to adult children whose parent is living alone at home.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among Americans over 65, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. They are also a key warning sign that the older adult may need help—especially if falling becomes a pattern.

According to the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, about 12 million Americans need assistance from others to carry out their daily activities.

Besides falling, there are other warning signs that a senior may need help. Here’s what to look for:

Physical Dangers. Bruises from bumping into things. Burns from cooking. Recent medical crisis. Recent car accidents.
Mental Alertness. Continual memory lapses. Confusion about time or dates. Trouble finding destinations. Difficulty sleeping.
Appearance and Hygiene. Hair unclean. Face unshaven. Teeth unbrushed. Body odors indicating infrequent bathing. Stained, unkempt or unchanged clothes.
Diet. Noticeable weight gain or loss. Lack of food or proper selection of food in the house. Lack of interest in eating. Signs of alcohol abuse.
Housekeeping. Spoiled food in the refrigerator. Cluttered house. Dirty clothes in the closet. Burnt pans or pot holders. Unopened mail. Piled-up bills.
Sociability. Recent reduction in activities. Lack of interest in family, friends or favorite hobbies. Less talkative in gatherings. No longer returns phone calls.
Mobility. Difficulty moving around, climbing stairs, getting up or down.
Unsafe driving behavior.

Once you’ve gained a better idea of how a loved one is coping, consider the different options for care. Most seniors prefer to live in the comfort of their homes. So if they’re healthy enough, their best option may be to receive assistance at home.

Explore Your Options, a publication of the Kansas Department on Aging, will provide a list of companies providing home care in your area. You can receive a copy by calling your Area Agency on Aging, 913-715-8861 for Aging Information.

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