Things that were once easy often become more difficult as we age and physical and cognitive abilities change. During this time, it’s common for spouses and adult children to wonder if their loved one needs additional support to live happily and safely at home. If you’re concerned that someone in your life is struggling with eating, bathing, grooming, and other activities of daily living, Serenity Home Care® explains five common signs that in-home personal care is needed.
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1. Your loved one expresses frustration or stress
We all feel stress, but seniors frequently experience frustration as changing abilities complicate tasks that were once simple. If your loved one expresses anger, sadness, frustration, or stress about performing daily tasks, he or she may benefit from in-home personal care. A caregiver offers not only assistance with these activities but also reassurance and an uplifting presence in the home.
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2. They lose weight without explanation
While small weight fluctuations are normal, especially during or after an illness, significant weight loss can be a cause for concern. This could signal difficulty with buying groceries, preparing meals, and self-feeding. If this is the case, your loved one may not be getting the proper nutrition that is so important for seniors to maintain good health. When eating independently becomes a struggle, an in-home caregiver can help.
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3. Your loved one has new mobility issues
Arthritis, post-surgery recovery, and the normal effects of aging all make mobility more challenging, even when it comes to simple actions, like rising from a chair, using the bathroom, or getting in and out of bed. As mobility becomes more challenging, seniors can feel restricted and become less active. A caregiver at home helps seniors move safely and restores their sense of confidence in their ability to do so.
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4. He or she avoids friends, family, and other social situations
Withdrawing from friends and family is always a cause for concern. At times, this avoidance may be due to illness, mobility issues, or emotional problems. In other cases, seniors may withdraw because they are embarrassed about their physical condition due to an inability to bathe, care for their hair, or dress easily. Incontinence presents another hurdle that leaves many reluctant to go out and do things they once enjoyed. Personal care addresses all of these issues, offering the assistance seniors need to look and feel their best.
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5. You notice confusion and forgetfulness
Forgetting a new acquaintance’s name or the occasional date and time is nothing to worry about, but more serious memory and cognitive issues can require extra help from a supportive caregiver. Regularly forgetting important aspects of self-care, such as taking medications, eating and drinking, and hygiene, suggests that personal care could help keep your loved one safer and more comfortable at home.
Learn More about In-Home Personal Care Services
If someone in your life needs help with activities of daily living, Serenity Home Care’s personal care services can help. We’re a comprehensive home care agency licensed by the Oregon Health Authority, Health Care Regulation, and Quality Improvement and comply with the requirements of Division 536 of the Oregon Administrative Rules as a Comprehensive In-Home Care Agency. Contact us today to see how our compassionate, dedicated caregivers can help your loved one enjoy the comforts of home with the confidence provided by expert-level care.
