When your senior parent is living alone, you may not always notice small signs that indicate they need help. As your senior parent gets older and their health needs change, they might have trouble getting around the house and keeping up with household chores. Conditions like arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to do everyday tasks like picking up dishes, holding a broom, or even opening the refrigerator or cupboards. Seniors who have home care providers will get regular daily visits from an experienced care provider who can help them maintain their homes and be safe and comfortable there.
Your senior parent may not want to tell you that they’re having trouble keeping up with household tasks because they are worried about keeping their independence.
But if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get home care for your senior parent:
Their Home Is Messier Than Usual
If your parents’ house is usually clean but now looks cluttered, dusty, or dirty, it could be a sign they’re struggling. Maybe the dishes are piling up in the sink, the trash hasn’t been taken out, or the floors haven’t been vacuumed. These changes could mean they’re having trouble keeping up with chores due to tiredness, pain, or memory issues.
They’re Wearing Dirty or Repeated Clothes
If you notice your parent is wearing the same clothes several days in a row or their clothes look stained or wrinkled, they may be having trouble doing laundry. Lifting a heavy basket or using the washer and dryer can be hard for someone with back pain, arthritis, or balance problems. A home care provider can make sure they always have clean clothes and fresh bedding.
There’s Expired Food in the Kitchen
Check your parents’ fridge and pantry. If there’s spoiled or expired food, it may mean they’re not cooking often or having trouble keeping up with groceries. They might be forgetting to eat or skipping meals because cooking feels too hard. A home care provider can help by shopping for groceries, cooking meals, and keeping the kitchen safe and organized.
They’re Falling Behind on Bills or Paperwork
If you see piles of unopened mail or past-due bills, that’s a red flag. Seniors can feel overwhelmed by paperwork, forget due dates, or lose track of what needs to be paid. A home care provider can remind your parent to handle bills or help them stay organized, depending on their needs.
They’re Having Trouble Moving Around the House
If your parent is holding on to furniture while walking, avoiding stairs, or not going into certain rooms, they may be having mobility problems. This can make everyday tasks like cleaning, taking out the trash, or even getting dressed more difficult. A home care provider can help with movement, reduce fall risks, and make sure they’re safe in their home.
They Seem More Tired or Withdrawn
If your parent is sleeping more, losing energy, or not enjoying things they used to, that might be a sign of stress, loneliness, or burnout from trying to do too much. They may not tell you they’re struggling, but their behavior shows it. Home care support can ease the load and help them feel better on a day-to-day basis.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Crestline, OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio, including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard
- Signs Your Senior Parent Needs Home Care - June 6, 2025
- Honoring Our Team: Birthdays, Anniversaries, and New Additions! - May 28, 2025
- What Challenges Do Seniors Face When They Come Home from the Hospital? - May 27, 2025
