How Can I Tell if My Loved One Needs Professional Senior Care?

You should seek professional care when your loved one shows signs of being unable to manage daily tasks safely, such as declining hygiene, frequent memory lapses, medication mismanagement, or unexplained injuries. 

Making the decision to seek outside help for an aging parent or relative is rarely easy, especially when changes happen gradually over time. However, identifying specific warning signs in your loved one’s behavior, health, and environment is the first step toward ensuring his or her long-term safety and wellbeing.

What Physical Appearance and Hygiene Changes Indicate Care Is Needed?

One of the most immediate indicators a loved one is having difficulty caring for him or herself is a noticeable decline in his or her physical appearance. If a parent who was once meticulous about his or her grooming habits now appears disheveled, wears dirty clothing, or has neglected basic hygiene like brushing his or her teeth or showering, it often signals a physical or cognitive inability to manage daily tasks.

Furthermore, pay close attention to your loved one’s weight. Rapid or unexplained weight loss can be a major red flag. It may indicate your loved one is forgetting to eat, is physically unable to cook safely, or has an underlying health issue like depression or dental pain. Conversely, sudden weight gain might result from a diet consisting solely of processed, easy-to-access foods because your loved one can no longer prepare nutritious meals.

Watch for these specific physical changes:

• Unpleasant body odor or consistently unwashed hair

• Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., heavy coats in summer)

• Visible frailty or difficulty standing up from a chair
• Untreated sores or injuries your loved one hasn’t mentioned

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if they are supported by professional home care Oklahoma City families can rely on. At Lifestar Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are here to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

How Can Frequent Memory Lapses Signal the Need for Care?

While minor forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, consistent cognitive decline that impacts daily safety is a clear sign professional care is necessary. This goes beyond misplacing keys. It involves an inability to track time, confusion about familiar places, or forgetting the names of close family members.

Cognitive decline often manifests in dangerous ways before a diagnosis is made. You might notice scorched pans in the kitchen, indicating the stove was left on, or find that your loved one has wandered away from the house and become lost in his or her own neighborhood. If your loved one is repeating the same questions within a short span of time or seems unable to follow a conversation, his or her cognitive health may have deteriorated to a point where living alone is no longer safe.

Cognitive decline and mental health issues may be a sign you need to have your loved one evaluated for dementia. Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is high-quality dementia care for aging adults in Oklahoma City. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. 

What Do Neglected Household Maintenance and Finances Reveal about Care Needs?

A home environment often mirrors the occupant’s mental and physical state. When you visit your loved one, look past the surface level. A house that was once tidy but is now cluttered, dirty, or falling into disrepair suggests your loved one may lack the energy or cognitive capacity to maintain it.

This neglect often extends to financial management as well. Managing a household requires executive function—the ability to plan and organize—which is often the first thing families notice during cognitive decline. You might discover:

• Stacks of unopened mail or “final notice” warnings from utility companies

• Bounced checks or evidence of falling for telephone scams

• Spoiled or expired food filling the refrigerator

• Unusual clutter or hoarding behaviors that block hallways and create fire hazards

How Does Medication Mismanagement Indicate a Need for Professional Care?

For many seniors, health relies on a strict regimen of prescription medications. Mismanaging these prescriptions is a life-threatening risk and a definitive sign professional support is required. This can take the form of forgetting to take medicine completely or, worse, taking double doses because your loved one forgot he or she already took them.

Check your loved one’s pill organizers or medicine cabinets. If prescriptions aren’t being refilled on time or if pill bottles are full when they should be empty, your loved one isn’t adhering to the doctor’s orders. This mismanagement can lead to dizziness, falls, and hospitalization, creating a cycle of health crises that professional in-home care or assisted living could prevent.

What Mobility Issues and Injuries Indicate a Loved One Needs Help?

As people age, their balance and muscle strength naturally diminish, increasing the risk of falls. However, if you notice your loved one is holding onto furniture while walking through the house, or if he or she seems hesitant to walk at all, his or her mobility is compromised.

Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults. Often, seniors will hide the fact that they’ve fallen to maintain their independence. Look for unexplained bruising, limping, or a sudden reluctance to leave the house. If getting out of bed or using the bathroom has become a dangerous ordeal, 24-hour supervision or mobility assistance is likely required to prevent a catastrophic injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are home care services?

Home care services provide support for individuals in their own homes, assisting with daily tasks, personal care, and companionship to enhance quality of life.

Who can benefit from home care services?

Seniors, individuals with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, or anyone needing extra support at home can benefit from home care services.

What types of tasks do home caregivers assist with?

Caregivers help with activities like meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care.

Are home care services customizable?

Yes, care plans are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of individuals and their family.

How do I choose the right home care provider?

Look for licensed providers with positive reviews, experienced caregivers, and services that align with your loved one’s specific needs.

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oklahoma City live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Lifestar Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. If you need professional care for your loved one, Lifestar Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today.