How to Tell if Your Elderly Parent Needs Specialized In-Home Care Support

by | Jun 16, 2025 | Home Care

As our parents age, it’s natural to want to help them maintain their independence and quality of life. However, there may come a time when their needs surpass what family members can provide, signaling the need for specialized home care support. Recognizing these signs early can make a significant difference in your loved one’s safety, health, and wellbeing.

Increasing Physical Limitations

One of the clearest indicators your aging parent may need more comprehensive care is a decline in his or her physical abilities. Look out for signs such as:

  • Difficulty with mobility, including getting up from a chair or walking safely without assistance
  • Challenges with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming
  • More frequent falls or near-falls, which could indicate reduced balance or coordination

When these challenges arise, specialized home care can provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), ensuring your parent can maintain hygiene and comfort while reducing the risk of injury.

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Families trust InCasa Home Care Services to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Worsening Health or Chronic Conditions

Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis often becomes harder as seniors age. If you notice your parent does any of the following, it may be time for professional support:

  • Misses medication doses or has difficulty staying on top of prescriptions
  • Experiences worsening symptoms from his or her health conditions
  • Requires frequent trips to the doctor or hospital

Trained caregivers can organize medications, monitor symptoms, and address health issues before they escalate, promoting a better quality of life for your loved one.

Cognitive Decline or Memory Issues

Cognitive changes, including memory loss or difficulty processing information, are common but concerning signs your parent might need additional help. Watch for signs such as:

  • Forgetting important appointments or tasks, like paying bills or grocery shopping
  • Confusion about familiar routines or places
  • Repeating stories or questions more frequently than usual
  • Unsafe behaviours, such as leaving the stove on or wandering outside aimlessly

These symptoms could indicate the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Specialized home care providers are trained to handle these challenges with compassion, implementing safety measures and offering cognitive support.

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of home care Edmonton families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

Decline in Personal Hygiene or Living Environment

A noticeable change in your parent’s self-care or home condition may also signal the need for extra help. This can include:

  • Unkempt appearance, such as not changing clothes or grooming properly
  • Strong body odour or other signs that bathing regularly has become difficult
  • A cluttered or unsanitary living space, which could pose health or safety risks

These changes may result from physical limitations, depression, or confusion. Professional caregivers can help your parent maintain personal hygiene and keep the home clean and organized.

Social Isolation or Withdrawal

Aging can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly if your parent is no longer able to drive or attend social events. Signs of social withdrawal may include:

  • Loss of interest in activities your parent once enjoyed
  • Lack of interaction with friends or family members
  • Spending the majority of his or her time alone or in front of the television

Social isolation can have serious mental health consequences, such as depression or anxiety. Specialized home care not only provides physical support but also offers companionship, ensuring your parent stays socially engaged.
The type of home care service Edmonton seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At InCasa Home Care Services, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.

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