Recognizing the Signs: How to Help an Older Loved One at Home

Caring for an aging parent or other senior loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it can also present challenges. As our parents, grandparents or other family members grow older, they may begin to need assistance with everyday tasks. Recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in ensuring their well-being and allowing them to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible (aging in place).

At CICOA, we understand the complexities of caring for older adults. For over 50 years, we’ve served as a community resource to help caregivers and aging adults navigate the care and support services that are necessary for daily activities and living independently at home. We’ve helped generations of Hoosiers take care of their aging loved ones. If you are noticing signs that your loved one could benefit from support in some way, here’s how you can offer help.

What to Watch For: Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need Help

It’s important to be observant and look for changes in your senior loved one’s behavior and daily routines. These changes can be subtle at first, but they can indicate a growing need for assistance. Here are some key signs to watch for:

Changes in Daily Living:

• Difficulty with personal care: Are they neglecting bathing, dressing, grooming or oral hygiene?
• Changes in eating habits: Are they losing weight, skipping meals or having trouble cooking?
• Forgetfulness or confusion: Are they misplacing items, forgetting appointments or showing signs of increased confusion about time or place?
• Difficulty managing medications: Are they missing doses, taking incorrect dosages or having trouble refilling prescriptions?
• Changes in mobility: Are they having trouble walking, climbing stairs or experiencing more falls?
• Neglect of household chores: Is the house becoming cluttered or dirty? Are repairs going undone?
• Unpaid bills piling up: Are they having difficulty managing their finances or paying bills on time?

Changes in Behavior and Mood:

• Withdrawal from social activities: Are they no longer participating in hobbies or socializing with friends and family?
• Increased irritability, anxiety or depression: Are they exhibiting changes in mood or personality?
• Changes in sleep patterns: Are they sleeping excessively or having trouble sleeping?

What You Can Do to Help (Senior Care Resources)

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you can take to support your senior loved one:

• Start with open conversations focused on specific concerns you have noticed. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Share your specific observations without judgment. Your loved one may need time to process the information and come to terms with needing help. Be patient and willing to revisit the topic.
• Listen actively and validate their feelings. Often, older adults are resistant to accepting help because they fear losing their independence. Acknowledge their feelings and fears, and let them know that you want to support them in maintaining that independence as long as possible.
• Assess their needs: Work with them to identify specific areas where they need support. This collaborative approach empowers them and helps them feel more in control.
• Start with small changes focused on specific needs. Addressing one concern at a time can make the transition easier. For example, if medication management is a concern, consider using a pill organizer or setting up reminders. If transportation is an issue, explore options for transportation services.
• Explore available resources for older adults. The local Area Agency on Aging – in Central Indiana, that’s CICOA – provides a range of services to help people remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. We can connect you with resources like in-home care, meal delivery, transportation assistance and more. Our Senior & Disability Resource Finder tool is a great place to start for senior care resources.
• Offer practical support: Help with tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, transportation or medication management. Even small acts of assistance can make a big difference in senior care.
• Consider home modifications: Make changes to the home to improve safety and accessibility, such as installing grab bars or ramps to support aging in place.
• Seek help from their healthcare team: Consult with a physician, geriatric care manager, or other healthcare professional for guidance.
• Connect with CICOA: CICOA’s Aging & Disability Resource Center offers comprehensive information and assistance to help older adults and their families navigate the aging process. Our CareAware caregiver support program provides specialized support for family caregivers, including educational resources, support groups and respite care options.

CICOA is Here to Help

At CICOA, we’re committed to helping older adults live fulfilling lives in their own homes. We offer an online tool to help you search for local services focused on helping seniors and people with disabilities live independently. You can search our Senior & Disability Resource Finder by keyword, or add a city or zip code for resources nearest you or your loved one.

If you’re concerned about a senior loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Aging & Disability Resource Center is a valuable resource for personalized information, guidance and support on in-home care for seniors. We can help you navigate the available resources and connect you with the services your loved one needs. And for family caregivers, our CareAware program offers specialized support to help you manage the demands of caregiving.

Call us at 317-803-6131 today or fill out an online referral form to speak to an options counselor and learn how we can help your senior loved one maintain their independence at home.

The post Recognizing the Signs: How to Help an Older Loved One at Home first appeared on CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions.