In Home Personal Care

Does Your Loved One Need Support at Home?

When someone you love begins to experience changes in their ability to manage everyday tasks, it can be difficult to know when—and how—to step in. At Elara Caring, we understand how important it is for your loved one to remain safe, independent and supported in the place they call home. If you’re noticing signs like forgetfulness, difficulty with daily routines or frequent falls, it may be time to consider in-home care.

Signs It Might Be Time for In-Home Care

Recognizing the need for support isn’t always easy, especially when changes happen gradually. Here are some common indicators that it may be time to explore care options:

Difficulty with Daily Activities
Struggling with bathing, dressing or meal preparation can be an early sign that your loved one needs a helping hand. Personal care services can offer the support they need to stay comfortable and independent.
Memory Concerns or Confusion
Frequent forgetfulness, misplaced items or disorientation—even in familiar surroundings—could indicate cognitive changes that require compassionate attention.
Decline in Personal Hygiene
Wearing unwashed clothes, neglecting grooming or skipping regular hygiene routines can point to physical limitations or emotional distress.
Challenges Managing Finances
Stacks of unopened mail, missed payments or confusion about money matters may signal the need for more structured support at home.
Withdrawal from Social Life
Losing interest in hobbies, isolating from friends or noticeable mood shifts can be signs of emotional or mental health changes.
Changes in the Home Environment
An unkempt home, spoiled food or safety hazards like loose rugs may indicate difficulty managing daily upkeep.
Recent Falls or Frequent Hospitalizations
If your loved one has experienced multiple falls or hospital stays, it’s often a sign that additional care is needed to ensure their safety.
Noticeable Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition
Empty cupboards or reliance on expired food can highlight nutritional neglect—something in-home caregivers can help manage with healthy meal support.
Increased Anxiety or Agitation
Especially during the late afternoon or evening, agitation (also known as sun downing) may be a sign of cognitive decline or underlying stress.
Skipping Medical Appointments or Medications
Missing checkups or taking medications incorrectly can have serious health implications and may require skilled care at home.

Starting the Conversation

Bringing up the idea of in-home care can be emotional, but it’s also an opportunity to show your loved one how much you care. Focus on their wellbeing and share specific examples of the changes you’ve observed. Emphasize that this is about empowering them to live more fully, safely and comfortably at home.

Elara Caring Is Here for You

At Elara Caring, we provide a broad spectrum of in-home services tailored to each person’s unique needs, from assistance with everyday tasks to skilled nursing and chronic condition management.