How to Know If You or Your Loved One Could Benefit from Home care
Deciding whether to seek home care for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision. It involves careful consideration of multiple factors, including health, independence, and overall quality of life
But how do you know when it’s time to consider professional help? In this article, we’ll walk you through the key signs that you or your loved one could benefit from home care, along with useful resources to explore your options.
Understanding Home care
Home care refers to a variety of services provided in someone’s home to support daily living. These services can include:
Assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, hygiene)
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Companionship
Mobility assistance
Respite care for family caregivers
Home care allows individuals to maintain their independence and familiar surroundings while receiving the support they need.
Key Indicators That Home Care Support May Be Needed
1. Decline in Personal Hygiene:
Neglecting bathing or dressing
Difficulty with grooming tasks
Changes in appearance
A noticeable decline in personal hygiene can be a significant red flag. If your loved one is struggling to maintain their personal care routine, it may indicate a need for personal care services. This could be due to physical limitations, cognitive decline, or a lack of motivation.
2. Difficulty with Mobility:
Increased falls or near-falls
Trouble walking or navigating stairs
Mobility issues can significantly impact an individual's independence and safety. If your loved one is experiencing increased falls or difficulty moving around their home, in-home support can provide the necessary care to prevent accidents and maintain their ability to live comfortably.
3. Changes in Eating Habits:
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Forgetting to eat or prepare meals
Reduced appetite or interest in food
Changes in eating habits can be a sign of underlying health issues or cognitive decline. If your loved one is not eating properly, they may be at risk of malnutrition and other health complications. In-home support can ensure that your loved one receives nutritious meals and proper hydration.
4. Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline:
Difficulty remembering names, dates, or events
Confusion or disorientation
Problems with problem-solving or decision-making
Memory loss and cognitive decline are common signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, home care can provide specialized support and supervision to ensure their safety and well-being.
5. Social Isolation and Loneliness:
Withdrawal from social activities
Feelings of sadness or depression
Lack of contact with friends and family
Social isolation and loneliness can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and physical health. If your loved one is feeling isolated or withdrawn, home care can provide companionship and social interaction to improve their quality of life.
6. Increased Caregiver Stress
If you're caring for a loved one, your own stress, fatigue, or burnout is a signal to ask for help. Respite care allows you to take a break while knowing your family members are in good hands.
Benefits of Home care
Stay in familiar surroundings: Home is where we feel most secure.
Flexible and preference based: Services can be scheduled and tailored to your specific needs.
Cost-effective: Especially with self-managed or family-managed care, like the options offered by Care Possible.
Promotes independence: Home care supports autonomy while offering the necessary help.
Who Is Home Care Best Suited For?
Home care isn’t just for seniors—it’s also for:
People recovering from surgery or illness
Individuals living with chronic conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, MS)
Family caregivers needing short-term relief
Whether you're exploring long-term care solutions or need temporary in-home support, personalized care plans can match your lifestyle, budget, and health goals.
What Questions Should You Ask?
If you're considering home care, here are a few questions to guide your decision:
What specific support is needed (daily, weekly)?
Can friends or family help, or is professional care required?
Does the individual prefer to remain home?
Are there safety concerns like falls, kitchen accidents, or wandering?
Resources in Manitoba
About Care Possible
Care Possible is a non-profit social enterprise by Manitoba Possible, dedicated to providing affordable, flexible, and preference-based in-home and respite care services. We support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families using self and family-managed care in Winnipeg. Our mission is to ensure that every Manitoban who accesses care has an excellent experience.