Most people want to live at home for as long as they can, and we all want our loved ones to be able to live independently in their own home for as long as they choose to. This is completely possible, though sometimes a little extra assistance is needed to make it possible for an elderly person to remain at home. There are a few signs you can look for to determine if your parent or other loved one needs a bit of extra assistance to live independently.
Missed Appointments
If your loved one begins missing more appointments than normal, this could be a sign that they are in need of a little extra help to get through the day. These can include doctor appointments and other things that are mandatory for living. Missed social appointments and church services can also be an indicator that some assistance is needed to help your loved one do the things they enjoy or need to accomplish.
Neglected Paperwork
It’s difficult to know how to ask your family member or friend about their financial situation. This question is difficult to phrase without feeling like you are prying, and it’s easy for the person to take offense or feel pressured. However, you can look for other clues that will help you determine if this is a problem. If you notice stacks of unopened mail in the house, an overflowing mailbox, newspapers piled up on the porch, or a lot of untended paperwork in piles around the house, this could be an indication that the individual needs some assistance. Late notices and unpaid bills are also another thing to look for. You can also look for bounced checks, bank statements or other signs that paperwork and bills have fallen to the wayside.
Hygiene Issues
As the body ages, it can become difficult to take care of basic hygiene needs. If your loved one looks unkempt or smells like they might need some assistance with hygiene, this is a strong indicator that some assistance is needed to remain independent. Likewise, laundry can be difficult to do for some elderly persons, especially if they do not have a washing machine and dryer at home. If you notice that your loved one is wearing clothing for many days in a row, or their clothing looks unclean, this can be another indicator that help is needed.
There are many services that can provide the assistance your loved one needs to remain independent and live at home. Pioneer Emergency provides alert assistance that will get medical and emergency personnel to your loved one in the event that help is needed. To learn more about our services, check out our website or give us a call today. Your loved one can remain safe and you can have peace of mind that they are protected when help is needed.