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Author: Ketan Shah

Respecting seniors and their desire to age in place is one thing, but when they need some more help, what can family caregivers do for the seniors they love? The first step in answering that question is to look at what else might be going on. Recognizing the signs that seniors need more help allows family caregivers to get home care assistance in place before things get too complicated.

Health Issues Are Multiplying

As seniors grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves battling more than one health issue. This complicates life in a variety of ways, including needing to go to the doctor more often and juggling lifestyle changes. Elder care providers don’t offer medical help, but they can assist seniors as they make changes to their diets, exercise more, and develop routines that help them stay as healthy as possible.

Routines and Chores Are Slipping

Routines are a big part of helping seniors to take care of all the tasks they need and want to manage every day. When household chores and daily routines start slipping, however, that can mean that seniors are having more trouble keeping up with them on their own. Home care assistance can tackle chores and help seniors find new routines that better fit their needs.

Seniors Aren’t Interested in Normal Activities

Seniors may find it more difficult to stay involved in the activities they usually enjoy. That can cause them to withdraw more from their existing social circles, reduce their own mobility, and find less overall enjoyment in daily life. Home care assistance can help seniors to have the support they need with the activities they love. Getting to the bottom of what’s causing the disinterest ensures that seniors have the support they truly need.

Seniors Are Gaining or Losing Weight

When aging adults start to lose or gain weight, especially without trying, that can mean there’s an underlying health issue or it can be a sign that seniors are struggling in other ways. Forgetting to eat meals, sleeping poorly, or having trouble with other tasks can also be a factor. Professional caregivers can help family caregivers understand what else might be going on, so that they can get answers.

They Shouldn’t Be Driving

At some point, seniors may need to give up driving in order to remain safe. The idea may not be a positive one for seniors, however. Giving up driving can feel as if they’re giving up pieces of their independence, especially if they’ve always done their own driving. But home care assistance can take care of transportation for seniors, ensuring they get where they want and need to go without endangering themselves behind the wheel.

There can be a lot of other indications that seniors need some extra help, too. Home care assistance can help families to understand what’s happening and how families can make life both easier and safer for aging adults. Improving their overall quality of life is easier than seniors might think, once they have the right help in place.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Sunnyvale, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.