According to a 2018 AARP survey, most older Americans want to remain in their existing homes for as long as possible. And although that’s an admirable goal, the average independent senior will eventually require outside assistance to maintain their quality of life. As a concerned family member, knowing if and when an aging friend or relative needs help around the house isn’t always easy. Here are 5 warning signs that it might be time to have “the talk” about in-home senior care with that special someone in your life.  

Why Do Seniors Reject Home Care?

If your older loved one is like most, they’ve spent their entire adult life managing a household and various jobs. Most seniors don’t want to be lectured by others about how to manage their affairs – especially their children.

Many independent seniors reject the concept of home care for reasons like:

  • Denial
  • Privacy concerns
  • Embarrassment
  • Pride and dignity
  • Stubbornness
  • Apathy

Confusion and memory loss caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s can further cloud a senior’s judgment. Once your loved one starts undergoing cognitive changes it oftentimes becomes even more challenging to convince them to accept outside assistance.

Functional Limitation Warning Signs

If you suspect that your loved one is struggling with functional limitations, look for these 5 warning signs:

Frequent Falls

Fall-related injuries and fractures send scores of older adults to hospital emergency departments every year.  Vision changes, poorly lit hallways, and slippery bathroom surfaces are all fall hazards for aging-in-place seniors.

If your loved one has fallen several times recently, here’s how to help:

  • Create clutter-free pathways throughout the home.
  • Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom and on both sides of the stairs.
  • Take them to the eye doctor.
  • Work with an occupational therapist to create a safer home environment.

Driving-Related Issues

If your loved one has gotten several tickets or been in multiple accidents, it’s probably a good idea to have “the talk” about driving safety. Suspicious dents and scrapes on their vehicle could also be a sign that it’s time to turn over the car keys for good. Before respectfully discussing the topic with your seniors find them reliable transportation alternatives.

Neglected Business

Stacks of past-due bills could indicate that your senior has trouble managing their finances. Offer to become a custodian on their bank and credit card accounts, which will also help protect them from financial scammers. If they haven’t already done so, encourage your loved one to prepare a will and to choose someone as their durable power-of-attorney (POA).

Physical Changes

Losing or gaining excessive weight, wearing the same clothes every day, and poor hygiene are all signs that your loved one needs assistance. Cognitive red flags like memory loss, confusion, and forgetfulness could indicate the onset of dementia.

If poor mobility is affecting your senior’s quality of life, volunteer to assist them around the house by preparing meals, doing laundry, walking the dog, etc. If you suspect that your loved one has cognitive impairment, schedule them a doctor’s appointment so they can be evaluated further.

Not Socializing Enough

Depression, anxiety, and dementia keep many seniors from socializing as they should. On the other hand, older adults that stay socially engaged tend to enjoy happier, healthier, and even longer lives than those who are lonely and isolated.

Introduce your loved ones to activities they might enjoy at the local senior center. Teach them how to use the latest technologies, like video chats, online communities, and social media to stay in touch with old friends – or make new ones. Better yet, let your loved ones know how much they mean to you by calling them on the phone!

Flexible In-Home Senior Care for Families in Bradenton, FL

Finding your aging loved one the best home care provider once they’ve agreed to accept help can be challenging. At First In Care, our compassionate caregivers can step in and provide your seniors with the care and companionship they so desperately need. While serving as an extended family in your loved one’s home, our highly trained professionals understand what’s required to maintain a client’s quality of life, along with their dignity and self-esteem.

Uniquely tailored to your family’s needs, First In Care can provide in-home support for daily living activities like personal hygiene, light housework, medication reminders, dementia care, transportation, and much more. Our senior caregiving services are affordable, flexible, and always delivered in a seamless package that restores your peace of mind. To learn more now about our private home health and concierge services in Bradenton and Manatee County, Florida, please visit www.firstincare.com.