Recognizing The Need For Assistance

Nobody wants to admit when they need a little help, and so it is important to realize that while your loved one may not say anything aloud about their struggles, there may be signs that he or she is in need of assistance.

Many families remain unaware of the ways to identify potential concerns with their loved one. At Home Helpers Chicagoland, we want to help you find peace of mind. The list below illustrates a few common signs that an aging or ill loved one may be in need of added help.

1. Medical Condition- Has your loved one been diagnosed with an illness or other medical condition that could impair his or her ability to function on a daily basis? (i.e. Alzheimer’s, dementia, knee or hip troubles, etc.)

2. Driving- Can he or she still drive? If so, do they pose an above-average risk for being involved in an accident? How are their reflexes, vision, and reaction time in unexpected situations? Do they show any signs of neuropathy (losing feeling in hands or feet)?

3. Home Safety- Do they forget to turn off appliances like the oven or stove-top? Are candles or cigarettes left burning? Do they lock their doors? Are the house and its pathways navigable and well-lit? Would they benefit from from access to emergency help, such as a personal emergency response system?

4. Hygiene- Have you noticed a difference in their appearance? Do they reuse dirty clothing? Are they brushing their teeth and bathing as regularly as they used to? How does their overall appearance compare to prior years? Is the laundry, including linens and bedding, clean and put away?

5. Food/Nutrition- Are they eating regularly balanced meals, or only what’s easy or less stressful to make? Are they able to shop when they need new groceries? Is there a variety of fresh food in the refrigerator? Look and see if the food is fresh or past its expiration date. If they were particular about throwing away expired food in the past and aren’t now, what’s changed?

6. Medication- Are medications being managed properly: correct medication, dosage, frequency? Are prescriptions being refilled on time? Some pharmacies have delivery services which can be utilized for customers without access to a car.

7. Daily Tasks- Are everyday tasks becoming more challenging, painful, frustrating or time-consuming: Shopping for or preparing meals? Are household chores being completed in the same time and manner as before? Don’t be afraid to ask “What would you like for me to do? What would you like to have help with?”

8. Behavior- Does your loved one seem more anxious or irritable? Are they spending more time alone and socializing less often? Do they appear lonely or depressed? Have you noticed inconsistencies in what they say or do? Do they open the door to people they don’t know? Do they remember names, places and events? Have they lost a spouse recently? Are friends or neighbors noting differences or expressing concerns? Do they seem more indecisive than usual? Trust your instincts, you know your loved one: Do they seem different?

9. Finances- Are sound decisions being made in their personal and financial affairs? Are they becoming a frequent target for solicitors? Do they carry an unreasonable amount of cash? Remember: You know when something’s changed or is a continuation of previous spending behavior.

10. Mail- Is the mail stacking up? Is the mailbox far from the door, do they need to go up and down steps to get to it? Are there any past due or delinquencies notices? Are they receiving frequent solicitation offers?

Remember: trust your instincts. Have a casual conversation with your loved one, and ask them what would make their life easier. Don’t be afraid to offer your own suggestions and suggest looking into more information. Many are unaware that our types of customer-tailored services are available. Home Helpers can make life easier.