Are you struggling to place it if indications you are seeing are signs that your loved one may need a helping hand? Do you want to know if now is the time to get help or a home care agent for your elderly one or loved one who cannot care for themselves independently?
It’s not always easy to see when someone we care about is struggling. As time goes on your loved one who is not able to care for themselves may start struggling to do much by themselves.
We may be so wrapped up in our own lives that we don’t notice the signs that our loved one needs our help. However, it’s important to pay attention to the people we care about and to look out for any warning signs that they may be in need of a helping hand.
It is usually a good idea to get a helping hand for them for two purposes. The first is to ensure they are properly cared for and the second is to ensure their safety. According to the National Council On Aging, companion aids ease worries.
Here in this article, we have identified ways and signs that your loved one may need a helping hand. Your loved one may depict just one or more of these signs, the good thing is that you should be able to spot it and take action. Let’s find out more!!!
Ready?
19 Signs Your Loved One May Need A Helping Hand
Here are 19 signs to look out for that show your loved one may need care:
#1. Changes in appetite or weight
If your loved one has suddenly lost or gained a significant amount of weight, it may be a sign of a physical or mental health issue. This calls for concern. Poor mental and physical health can impair one for a long long time.
#2. Lack of energy or motivation
Do you notice your loved one is always tired, lacks enthusiasm, and has no motivation to do things they once enjoyed? This could be a sign of depression or other mental health issues. And that calls for attention.
One of the ways to aid them before professionals come into the picture is to engage them in Cognitive Activities.
#3. Difficulty sleeping
Insomnia or sleeping too much can be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Insomnia also can be a sign of sickness or emotional trauma. Also sometimes it can be a sign of a bad bed. See How To Do A Bad Bed Effortlessly.
If your loved one shows this sign, especially for a long period of time that should call for attention. You can encourage them to nap within the day, see the 5 Benefits of Napping.
#4. Isolation and withdrawal
If your loved one is withdrawing from social activities or has stopped seeing friends and family, it may be a sign of depression or anxiety. It could also may be a sign that they need help with transportation or companionship.
Isolation can also be a sign of abuse. Check out these 7 Important Signs of Elder Abuse to decipher if this isolation is a cause of abuse.
#5. Mood swings
One of the signs that your loved one may need a helping hand is if they are shifting moods to the extreme.
If your loved one’s mood swings from extreme happiness to extreme sadness, it could be a sign of a mood disorder. This calls for attention from professionals and assistance from caregivers and home care agents.
#6. Substance abuse
Substance abuse is often the case of young ones who cannot care for themselves independently. If your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, it could be a sign of underlying mental health issues or stress.
#7. Neglecting personal hygiene
Personal hygiene is essential for the health of anyone. If your loved one is not taking care of themselves, such as neglecting personal hygiene, it may be a sign that they need assistance with self-care.
You can easily employ a home care agent to help them with Hair Care and also Maintain A Healthy Environment.
#8. Physical symptoms
If your loved one is experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems, it could be a sign of underlying ill health. It’s often recommended to seek professional medical care.
#9. Memory loss or confusion
If your loved one is experiencing memory loss or confusion, it could be a sign that they need help. A high frequency in forgetting things or having trouble with short-term memory could be a sign of cognitive decline or dementia. Help here can mean a need for medical or mental care.
#10. Unexplained physical injuries
One of the signs that your loved one may need a helping hand is the constant presence of physical injuries.
If your loved one always has unexplained bruises or injuries, it could be a sign of abuse, falls, neglect, or other accidents that may require assistance. It could also be a sign that they may be inflicting hurt on themselves when alone.
#11. Difficulty with daily tasks
If your loved one is having trouble with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals, it may be a sign that they need help. It’s time to get them a caregiver or a home care agent to assist them in their daily activities.
#12. Poor nutrition
If your loved one is not eating well or has lost a significant amount of weight, it may be a sign that they need help with meal planning or grocery shopping. At Good Hands Home Care we have home care agents that Feed Clients Who Need Assistance
#13. Difficulty with mobility
If your loved one is having trouble with mobility, such as walking or getting up from a chair, it may be a sign that they need assistance with mobility aids or physical therapy.
#14. Trouble managing medications.
One of the signs that your loved one needs a helping hand is when they have trouble managing their medications. If your loved one is having trouble managing their medications, such as forgetting to take them or taking them incorrectly, it may be a sign that they need help with medication management.
#15. Increased confusion or disorientation
If your loved one is becoming more confused or disoriented, it could be a sign of cognitive decline or a medical issue that requires assistance.
#16. Increased anxiety or depression
Another sign is your loved one is experiencing increased anxiety or depression, it may be a sign that they need assistance with mental health care or emotional support.
#17. Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
If your loved one has lost interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, it may be a sign that they need help finding new ways to engage with the world.
#18. Trouble with vision or hearing
If your loved one is having trouble with vision or hearing, it may be a sign that they need assistance with adaptive devices or medical treatment. See this Guide on How to Get Free Hearing Aides for Older Adults.
#19. Increased dependence on others
If your loved one is becoming increasingly dependent on others for assistance with daily tasks, it may be a sign that they need more comprehensive care.
If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, it’s important to offer your support and assistance. Depending on their needs, this may mean helping them find professional care, such as a home health aide or therapist, or simply being there for emotional support.
Remember that caring for a loved one can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, you can help them live their best life.
What Do I Do If I Discover My Loved Need A Helping Hand?
If you discover that your loved one needs care, the first thing you should do is talk to them about it. Be open and honest about your concerns, and let them know that you’re there to support them.
Depending on the severity of their needs, you may need to consider getting them professional help. This could mean scheduling an appointment with a therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor, depending on their specific needs.
It’s also important to create a supportive and safe environment for your loved one. This may mean making adjustments to your living situation to accommodate their needs, or simply being there for them emotionally and offering a listening ear.
If your loved one is resistant to getting help or receiving care, it’s important to respect their autonomy while also expressing your concerns and offering your support. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve other family members or professionals to help convince them to get the care they need.
If it requires the services of home care agents and you are in Indiana, we recommend you employ the professional services of Good Hands home care agency, where care is offered with professionalism and efficiency.