6 Signs Your Senior Loved One Needs a Caregiver

May 9, Alissa Sauer

For many family members, it can be hard to watch a senior loved one age and become unable to take care of their homes and themselves. In fact, when family members deny that their loved one needs care, the results can be downright dangerous causing in-home accidents, falls, fires, and more.

Taking the step to hire a caregiver for your loved one can protect them and help them age independently for longer. Here are 6 signs that your senior loved one could benefit from a caregiver:

1. Lack of Personal Hygiene

If you begin to notice your loved one has bad breath, body odor, or seems to be lacking personal hygiene it may be a sign that they are unable to care for their personal needs. A caregiver can ensure they are bathing regularly, brushing teeth, and taking care of personal hygiene and grooming.

2. Stacks of Mail and Unpaid Bills

Noticing stacks of unsorted mail and unpaid bills may mean that your loved one is forgetting to pay important bills and respond to time-sensitive mail. Caregivers can help go through the mail and sort the junk mail from the important mail so your loved one doesn’t miss a beat.

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3. Spoiled Food in the Kitchen

Rotten food may signify that your loved one is either unable to safely get to the grocery store or is unaware he or she needs to make a trip. It may also mean he or she is eating rotten food, or not eating at all. Caregivers can prepare meals and help your loved one get adequate nutrition, helping them age well for longer.

4. Fall Hazards in the Home

If your loved one’s home is unsafe it may be time to consider hiring a caregiver. Stairs, step-in bathtubs, uneven flooring, throw rugs, and clutter can increase the risk of falls, leading to big health problems.

5. Loneliness and/or Signs of Depression

A loss of interest in hobbies, sudden changes in weight, and disconnecting from loved ones may indicate depression or loneliness and isolation. Keeping in regular contact with your loved one and hiring a caregiver who visits with them, interacting on a personal and social level can be vital to your loved one’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

6. Inability to Perform Daily Tasks Independently

A general feeling that your loved one needs help with activities of daily living, including grooming, household maintenance, and running errands may mean it’s time to hire a caregiver who can help ensure your loved one’s general well-being.

How did you know it was time to hire a caregiver for your loved one? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.