6 Signs That Your Loved One Needs a Safer Home

As we get older, we start noticing that our parents and cherished family members begin to slow down. They may start to act differently, eat less, or lose the sparkle in their eyes that always used to twinkle. Naturally, you begin worrying about them and wonder if they are struggling and need assistance. Most of us will require assistance as we age, yet it can be uncomfortable to ask for help. In situations like this, it's only natural to want to protect those we care about and do what's best for their health and general well-being. So, if you're concerned about someone in your family, here are six signs that your loved one needs a safer home.

1. Enhanced Wandering and Forgetfulness

A rise in forgetfulness and memory loss is one of the first signs that your loved one needs a safer home because their health is deteriorating. Have they started to neglect their medication? Are they missing their appointments? Or are they having trouble memorizing basic information, such as the date or time? Memory loss is becoming more common among the elderly, but it may be a sign of a more severe medical problem, such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

When it comes to wandering, this is common in people with dementia. Here are some signs to pay attention to:

• Returning home later than usual after a regular stroll or drive.
• Forgetting how to travel to familiar locations.
• Talking about completing former obligations, such as going to work.
• Even when at home, attempting or desiring to "go home."

It is critical to diagnose any underlying problems by taking your loved one to their local general practitioner. You may need to make some modifications in their homes to make it a little bit safer when these episodes occur.

2. Changes in Their Behavior

Changes in behavior are another one of the typical signs that your loved one needs a safer home. For example, if you notice that your loved one is more anxious than ever, and if they're phoning family members repeatedly for reassurance that everything is well, it may be time to get help and check for any underlying health concerns.

Let's see other behavioral changes that your loved one can experience:

• Depression
• Delusions
• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Although it may be challenging, it might be time to sit down with your loved ones and check how they are, as well as offer home care alternatives to assist them in their everyday lives. These behavioral changes can affect their mental health, so it's imperative to address them as soon as you notice something different.

3. Sudden Isolation

It has been proven that maintaining social connections with family and friends is helpful to both the mind and the body. Socializing can help alleviate loneliness, improve memory and cognitive abilities, raise life satisfaction, and improve overall well-being.

Did your loved one appear quieter or more agitated than usual when you last saw them? Have you seen a reduction in their social circle? Significant changes in mental states and social behaviors may indicate withdrawal and isolation, both of which can lead to depression.

The following indicators of isolation can help you connect the dots and help your loved one as soon as possible:

• Finding it difficult to begin or finish simple tasks
• Struggling to find their way in the community
• Finding it more challenging to communicate and connect with others
• Increased desire to remain in their own house, where they feel safe

Now, you have two options here. The first one is to show your loved one support and suggest they hire a professional home caregiver. A companion in the form of home care can make a difference here. The other option is that you move close to your loved one. This way, you'll be there to help them socialize more and assist with any possible health issues.

So, if you decide to relocate, make sure to organize a safe transition for your family, especially if you have kids. You need to find a way to make this easier for everybody but also find top movers in Washington DC or wherever your loved one lives.

4. Lack Of Personal Hygiene

The appearance of your loved ones might provide important clues as to whether they are having problems coping with daily life. Did you notice a change in your loved one's appearance due to inadequate personal care when you last saw them?

Here are some changes in their appearance that can be signs that your loved one needs a safer home:

• Strong body odor
• Unwashed and unkempt hair
• Not washing their teeth
• Dirty and weary clothes
• Wearing odd pairs of shoes

Your loved one's well-maintained appearance provides several psychological advantages, including increased self-esteem and confidence. If your loved one has begun to let go, they are less likely to go outside, participate in social events, and are more prone to isolating themselves.

In situations like this, a professional caregiver would be the best option. Furthermore, you can try and make their bathroom more accessible so they can easily do the proper hygiene.

5. Disorderly Home

Whether we find cleaning relaxing or not, having an organized house has various mental health advantages. If your loved one's home is becoming disorganized, it might indicate deeper underlying emotional issues. So, when you visit your loved one next time, take a moment to look around their home and identify items out of place. This could be anything from dirty dishes to funny smells.

All these unusual things can indicate various deeper issues. For example, if the house hasn't been cleaned, it might indicate a lack of motivation or perhaps mobility concerns that you aren't aware of.

In addition, an untidy house is not safe for elders, especially a messy bathroom. That’s why making the bathroom safe in the home of a person who might be struggling with mobility issues is crucial.

6. General Demotivation

We all lose motivation from time to time, especially when dealing with personal issues. Feeling demotivated might become more common as we age and our energy levels vary. As a result, some elderly folks will gradually abandon their interests as they lose their zest for life.

For example, apathy is quite frequent among older persons, especially if they suffer from physical, cognitive, or emotional issues. If your intuition tells you that a loved one is in trouble, there are specific tell-tale signs you may look for:

• Fatigue
• It's hard for them to handle everyday responsibilities
• It's challenging to feel and express any feelings
• Trouble in planning or problem-solving

If you assume that a loved one is exhibiting apathy, you must contact their primary care physician to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. While the diagnosis may take some time, you can find other sources of delight in the meanwhile. Help your loved one rediscover interests, passions, and activities they used to like but no longer do.

To wrap it up

Seeing your loved ones undergo these changes as they get older is tough. Now, imagine how confusing it must be for them. With these six signs that your loved one needs a safer home, you can watch out for any indicators that something's wrong. This way, you can avoid and prevent some more significant issues that may occur. Ultimately, you can make the life of your loved one easier and more joyful.