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Author: Bill Spearson

Changes are inevitable while seniors age in place. But some of those changes can indicate that seniors need some extra help at home. Gradual decreases in energy, routines that need to adjust, or daily tasks that become more difficult are subtle signs that senior home care services might be a good idea. The first step is noticing the changes, but it’s also important to talk with seniors about what they’re experiencing.

Physical and ADL Changes

ADLs, or activities of daily living, are tasks that seniors engage in every day as a routine part of life. These are tasks like getting dressed, preparing meals, and walking around the house safely. Changes in their abilities to manage these tasks are important to acknowledge. Other physical changes, like reduced strength or mobility, also indicate that seniors might need more help. Instead of neglecting personal care tasks or household tasks, home care services can offer support with these necessary activities.

Cognitive and Memory Changes

Everybody forgets things now and again or becomes confused. But when seniors experience difficulties with memory more often, that’s a bigger problem. It’s especially worrisome when seniors have more trouble keeping track of their medications or medical appointments. These kinds of changes can be serious enough that seniors find themselves dealing with bigger health issues. Customized assistance from senior home care services offers seniors support with their memory needs without removing their independence at all.

Social and Emotional Changes

As seniors age, life continues to bring changes that are tough to weather. Friends and family members might pass away or mobility might make it difficult to interact with other people they love and want to spend time around. Increased loneliness from self-isolation or the difficulties they might have maintaining social engagement can cause seniors to experience depression and other mental health challenges. Senior home care providers are there to offer help, but they also spend a lot of time with the seniors they’re assisting. They get to know seniors well and are there for emotional support.

Environment and Lifestyle Changes

Other changes seniors might experience can also indicate that it’s time for senior home care experts to help out. When it’s more difficult for seniors to manage daily tasks, household tasks and routines are tough to maintain as well. That means that they might be facing more clutter than usual, or they might not be doing things like grocery shopping when they need to. Home care providers can help with managing all of these tasks, keeping seniors on target with their goals without having to expend a lot of energy.

There isn’t any one right answer about when it’s time for seniors to have some extra help. What matters most is that family caregivers and seniors take the time to talk openly and honestly about what’s going on and what changes seniors are experiencing. Those talks help family caregivers to better assess when it’s time for senior home care services to help out wherever seniors are having the most trouble.

If your aging loved one is considering senior home care in Griffith, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell, and the surrounding areas.