Older adults want to maintain their independence as long as possible. But the family may eventually reach a point where the senior needs additional care for daily activities. During this transition time, challenging decisions will need to be addressed, such as: where will the person live? Will they remain in their home? If so, who will offer the needed care?

Just because a loved one needs more support doesn’t mean that it’s time for someone to move into a retirement community. Instead, you might consider alternative solutions such as in-home assistance. The goal is to create a safe home environment for your loved one. This includes safety from neglect, abuse, and other potential dangers in later years.

Here are a few key indicators that it might be time to bring in the assistance your loved one needs:

  1. Poor Personal Hygiene: Pay attention to body odor, the cleanliness of clothing, and physical symptoms that indicate inconsistent hygiene practices.
  2. Dirty Home: If the home is always dirty and cluttered, the person might be having a hard time keeping on top of the mess. Watch for common signs like dirty laundry, an overflowing garbage can, maintenance issues, stinky smells, and neglected landscaping.
  3. Confusion: Mental decline can cascade into a variety of personal and home care problems. For example, if the person is having memory problems, it might be challenging to keep up with medication dosages and managing common tasks like paying bills.
  4. Loneliness: Social isolation can be a challenge for aging adults. This can lead to them falling victim to scammers and fraud. If someone’s physical or emotional well-being is suffering, it could be the result of depression or other side effects of loneliness.

Keep in mind that neglect in the home and to personal health can pose safety issues. If you notice any of these signs, perhaps it’s time to hire support for the person’s care. This might entail an in-home aid, cleaning services, yard care, and more. Each situation is unique, which is why you need to personalize the care based on the needs of the individual.

For more information about protecting your loved one, Senior Safe and Sound is here to help. We offer support for minimizing the risk of elder abuse and neglect. Contact us by email at info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551.

This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.