What Are the Signs Your Loved One Needs In-Home Care?

According to a recent AARP? Home and Community Preferences Survey, the vast majority of adults (77%) express a strong desire to "age in place," remaining in the comfort of their own homes and neighborhoods. The survey also reveals that about two-thirds of respondents would prefer a mix of family caregivers and professional in-home caregivers.

In-home care services not only offer a cost-effective solution but also align with your loved one’s emotional need for familiarity and comfort. However, you might find yourself asking:

• "How do I know if my parents are no longer safe at home?"
• "What signs or behaviors should I be on the lookout for?"
• "When is the right time to hire in-home care?"
• "What type of care services does my loved one need?"
• "Are there reputable home health care agencies nearby?"

We understand that these are challenging questions. While it’s often clear when a loved one requires Skilled Care at home, recognizing the need for Companion Care, Personal Care, or Alzheimer’s and Memory Care can be more nuanced.

Questions to Help You Determine if Home Care is Needed

The following questions can help you assess whether it’s time to consider in-home care for your loved one—whether it's your mom, dad, grandparents, spouse, child, or even yourself if you need Short-Term Transitional Care after a hospital stay:

• Do they hear and answer the phone in a timely and safe manner?
• Can they engage in a conversation over the phone?
• Do they properly store food and discard it when it’s no longer safe to eat?
• Are they cleaning up after meals, washing dishes, and maintaining clean surfaces?
• Is their kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom kept tidy?
• Do they take care of the lawn, yard, and snow removal if necessary?
• Are they able to do their own laundry, including carrying it, transferring it between machines, folding, and putting it away?
• Are they managing their finances, such as paying bills on time?
• Do they drive safely and confidently to places like the bank, store, or social gatherings?
• Are they able to shop for groceries, choosing healthy options, and bringing them home?
• Are they attending social and family activities, such as book clubs, religious services, or family events?
• Do they regularly socialize with friends, neighbors, or relatives?
• Are they able to enjoy activities they love, such as crafts, gardening, or puzzles?
• Are they caring for pets, including walking them or cleaning their litter boxes?

If you answered "NO" or "SOMETIMES" to any of these questions, your loved one might benefit from Companion Care. The more "NO" or "SOMETIMES" responses, the more likely it is that they need additional support.

Take the Next Step

We understand that deciding if your loved one needs help at home, and determining the right type of care, can be difficult. We hope these questions have provided a helpful guide to assess whether in-home support is the right choice for your family member.