Signs a Senior May Be in Trouble

Many seniors do not ask for help – particularly because they often fear that they will be a burden to their families or lose their independence. Therefore, it is very important that their caregivers, grown children or other family members look for signs that may indicate that they need some assistance in their everyday lives.

More than half (52%) of family members presently caring for an older relative started doing so because the senior relative had an injury, illness or medical condition that left them less able to function independently. However, there are other issues, such as depression, poor nutrition, death of a spouse, isolation or loneliness that can further compromise an older relative’s physical and mental health in just a short period of time.

So how can you tell if your senior loved one needs extra help? Here are 5 signs that you're older relative may need assistance.

It is crucial that family members keep an eye out for their older loved ones and know how and when to assist them, even if the senior doesn't reach out and ask for the help himself.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin

I just heard a great story about one of our notoriously upbeat and positive CAREGivers. The story goes, the CAREGiver, Joanie, was helping one of our seniors put on her ole' cowboy boots to go out for a barbecue. Obviously she shouldn’t have been wearing cowboy boots, but Joanine knew it would make her happy to at least try to see if she could wear them. The daughter called during this "exercise," and all she could hear was laughter!

"Here was my 80-year old mother shuffling around in the house in booths that didn't fit and Joanie by her side laughing with her."

There are a few more stories about our CAREGivers on our website including how to become one.

There's No Place Like Home

She sang you to sleep, taught you how to tie your shoes, made chicken soup when you were sick and cheered you on at the game. You knew she was there for you, no matter what. Now you want to be there for her. Whether you're caring for your mom, your dad or both parents, Home Instead is here to help.

There is simply no place like home, and Home Instead Senior Care® was created to help seniors remain safely in the comfort of home and to provide support to the family and friends who love them. We're here to address your concerns and provide the non-medical services you need, whether it's companionship while you're at work, help with groceries and errands, a helping hand with household chores or a simple reminder to take medications.

In the coming weeks, LOCATION Home Instead's blog will offer local and national resources and the latest information that matters to our seniors and their family and friends.

If there's a topic you'd like to see covered here, feel free to post it below as a comment.

We understand there's no place like home. Senior care, to us, is personal.