Signs Your Loved One Needs Senior Home Care Services

Many Palos Verdes seniors need help at home but are either too ashamed or too afraid to ask for it. They are used to being independent and running their households, so the idea of relying on the assistance provided by a senior home care services agency may not even cross their minds. They may be experiencing changes they don’t understand or even fully recognize, such as forgetfulness, fatigue, failing eyesight, changes in appetite, and inability to perform everyday tasks.

These are all telltale signs that your loved one needs senior home care services in Palos Verdes. Pay attention to any changes in their behavior that may indicate they need help. Their health and safety may be at risk.

Does Your Loved One Need Palos Verdes Senior Home Care Services?

Watch for the following warning signs when visiting with your elderly loved one:

• An unkempt home when it used to always be clean may indicate forgetfulness or a physical inability to perform household chores


• Unopened mail, piled-up newspapers, unpaid bills, missed appointments, and unfilled prescriptions may also be signs your elderly loved one needs senior home care services in Palos Verdes


• Not participating in the same events they used to enjoy, such as going to church, playing bridge with friends, or attending their book club may indicate depression


• Burned pots and pans, refrigerator odor, low food supply, and piled-up laundry may be signs of diminished cognitive functions


• Changes in attitude, such as sadness, being verbally or physically abusive, paranoia, refusing to speak, or being argumentative may also be signs your loved one needs Palos Verdes senior home care services


• Neglecting personal hygiene may be indicative of depression or memory lapses


• Decreased weight is a sure sign of poor eating habits, missed meals, or no appetite, and should be addressed immediately to ensure proper nutrition


• Mishandled finances such as paying bills twice, not paying bills at all, losing money, or hiding money may be early signs of dementia


• Misuse or forgetting to take medications is another indication your loved one may need senior home care services in Palos Verdes

There are many other warning signs, of course, but this partial list should help you begin to take note of obvious or subtle changes in your loved one’s behavior. If you recognize any of these behaviors, it’s in your loved one’s best interest to take action immediately. Taking a proactive approach and speaking with a senior home care services agency is an important first step to ensuring their safety and welfare. Home care services may be just what they need to continue to live at home and maintain a high quality of life.

Slavka Jasik is the owner of At Home With Care, a personal homecare services agency based in Redondo Beach. At Home With Care employs professional caregivers that provide customized, flexible, non-medical homecare seven days a week. Visit www.AtHomeWithCare.com or call 310.798.2700 for more information.