Key Warning Signs
Recognizing when professional help may be needed
Safety Concerns
Immediate risks that require professional intervention to prevent harm or accidents.
- Recent falls or near-falls
- Wandering or getting lost
- Leaving stove/oven on
- Forgetting to lock doors
- Difficulty navigating stairs
Immediate action recommended if 2+ signs present
Cognitive Changes
Memory loss, confusion, or decision-making difficulties affecting daily life.
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Repeating questions
- Difficulty following instructions
- Poor judgment with finances
- Getting lost in familiar places
Consider assessment if cognitive changes are affecting independence
Personal Care Decline
Noticeable changes in personal hygiene and self-care routines.
- Poor personal hygiene
- Wearing dirty clothes
- Unkempt appearance
- Body odor
- Difficulty bathing/grooming
Professional assistance can help maintain dignity and health
Medication Management Issues
Difficulty managing medications leading to health risks.
- Missing doses
- Taking incorrect dosages
- Mixing up medications
- Forgetting refills
- Experiencing side effects
Urgent: Medication errors can be life-threatening
Home Environment Changes
Decline in household maintenance and living conditions.
- Cluttered or dirty home
- Unpaid bills piling up
- Spoiled food in refrigerator
- Unopened mail
- Poor home maintenance
Home management support can prevent health hazards
Social Withdrawal
Loss of interest in social activities and relationships.
- Declining social invitations
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Decreased phone contact
- Isolation from friends/family
- Expressions of loneliness
Companionship care can improve quality of life
Life Transitions That May Require Support
Common situations where professional care can provide valuable assistance
Hospital Discharge & Recovery
Transitioning home after hospitalization often requires additional support for recovery and medication management.
Consider care if:
- Recovering from surgery or major illness
- Needing wound care or physical therapy
- Requiring medication supervision
- Limited mobility during recovery
- No family available for daily support
Loss of a Spouse or Partner
Coping with grief while managing daily responsibilities alone can be overwhelming without support.
Consider care if:
- Struggling with daily tasks alone
- Experiencing severe grief or depression
- Needing companionship and emotional support
- Difficulty managing household alone
- Isolating from friends and family
Family Caregiver Fatigue
When family caregivers need respite to prevent burnout and maintain their own health and wellbeing.
Consider care if:
- Family caregiver showing signs of stress
- Caregiver needs to return to work
- Planning a vacation or time off
- Caregiver has health issues
- Need for occasional breaks
Signs You Need Caregiver Support
If you're providing care for a loved one, these signs indicate you might benefit from professional support to share the caregiving responsibilities.
Constant Exhaustion
Feeling tired all the time, even after rest. Caregiving is affecting your sleep patterns and energy levels.
Neglecting Your Own Needs
Missing your own medical appointments, skipping meals, or putting your health last.
Increased Irritability
Short temper, frustration with your loved one, or feeling overwhelmed by small things.
Social Isolation
Withdrawing from friends, hobbies, and activities you once enjoyed due to caregiving demands.
Decision-Making Guide
A step-by-step approach to determining if care is needed
When to Consider Professional Care: A Practical Guide
Use this checklist to evaluate the current situation objectively
Assess Safety Concerns
Evaluate immediate risks to health and safety. Safety should always be the primary consideration.
Ask yourself:
- Has there been any recent falls or accidents?
- Is there proper nutrition and hydration?
- Are medications being taken correctly?
- Is the home environment safe?
- Can they call for help in an emergency?
Evaluate Daily Living Activities
Consider ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently.
Monitor these areas:
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Meal preparation and eating
- Mobility around the home
- Managing medications
- Household chores and cleaning
Consider Family Capacity
Be honest about what family can reasonably provide without compromising their own wellbeing.
Family assessment questions:
- How much time can family realistically commit?
- Do family members have necessary care skills?
- Is caregiving affecting family members' health?
- Can family provide consistent, reliable care?
- What are the emotional impacts on the family?
Plan Proactively
It's often better to plan care before a crisis occurs. Early intervention can prevent emergencies.
Planning considerations:
- What level of care might be needed in 6-12 months?
- Are there financial resources available?
- What are the preferences for care location?
- Who will coordinate care decisions?
- What are the backup plans for emergencies?
Quick Care Assessment
Answer these questions to help determine if professional care might be beneficial
1. How many of the warning signs have you observed?
2. How is care affecting family caregivers?
3. What is the current safety situation?
Not Sure? Let's Talk It Through
If you're still uncertain whether care is needed, our care advisors can help you evaluate the situation objectively.
Free Consultation
30-minute phone consultation with a care expert
Home Assessment
Free in-home assessment within 48 hours
Care Planning
Personalized care plan with no obligation