As we age and experience changes in our health extra assistance may be required. Many delay seeking assistance until they reach a crisis point, sometimes because they don’t identify the requirement for assistance. Home care services are an entry point to aged care assistance in the comfort of your own home to assist you to remain in your home for longer. Home care services can he short term or long term and can increase with care needs.
Learning to identify the signs of a requiring more assistance can be extremely beneficial in reducing further deterioration in health.
Here are 10 ways to identify you or a loved one may require home care services.
1 . Difficulty with Daily Activities (ADLs)
The activities of daily living are the basic tasks essential for safety, hygiene, and independence. If these become a burden, professional support ensures dignity and comfort.
Signs to look for:
- Difficulty getting out of bed or chairs without help
- Requiring assistance to dress or undress
- Struggling with bathing, brushing teeth, or toileting
- Difficulty feeding oneself
2. Poor Personal Hygiene
Hygiene neglect can lead to infections, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Home care supports can gently help maintain hygiene without embarrassment.
Signs to look for:
- Uncombed hair, dirty clothes, or strong body odour
- Inadequately brushing teeth or shaving
- Soiled clothes or bed linen
3. Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition
Nutrition directly affects immunity, energy, and recovery. Caregivers can prepare nutritious meals, shop for groceries, or monitor dietary needs.
Signs to look for:
- Clothing becoming loose fitting
- Unstocked fridge or spoiled food
- Forgetting to eat or skipping meals
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or preparing food
4. Mobility Challenges or Frequent Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Home care workers can assist or supervise with walking, transfers, and fall prevention strategies.
Signs to look for:
- Difficulty walking, especially on stairs or uneven surfaces
- Use of walls or furniture for support
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Recurrent falls
5. Memory Issues or Cognitive Decline
Memory issues can be part of normal ageing or an early sign of a more serious condition like dementia. Home care can include supervision, memory prompts, and cognitive support to ensure safety and mental engagement.
Signs to look for:
- Confusion with time and place
- Forgetting names, appointments, or familiar routines
- Getting lost, even in familiar places
- Repeating questions or conversations
- Misplacing items
6. Social Isolation or Withdrawal
Isolation affects mental and emotional health. Home care providers can offer companionship and help the person stay engaged in life
Signs to look for:
- No longer attending religious, social, or community events
- Avoiding friends and family
- Signs of depression, such as sadness or hopelessness
- Increased anxiety or agitation
7. Chronic Illness or Recurrent hospital admissions
Professional caregivers can assist with medication assistance, monitor symptoms, and help follow physician’s instructions, preventing complications or rehospitalisations.
Signs to look for:
- Diagnoses like diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, etc.
- Recurrent hospital admissions due to inability to manage chronic conditions
- Difficulty managing medications or following treatment plans
8. Household Neglect
An untidy home increases the risk of falls, illness, or pests. Home care aides can assist with light housekeeping, organising, and safety checks.
Signs to look for:
- Dirty dishes, laundry piling up, or unsanitary bathrooms
- Expired food in the fridge or pantry
- Unsafe home conditions (e.g., clutter, broken appliances, poor lighting)
9. Caregiver Burnout (for family caregivers)
Family caregivers need breaks too. Respite care or regular home care services can relieve pressure, giving loved one’s time to rest, recharge, or focus on their own health.
Signs to look for:
- The primary caregiver is feeling overwhelmed or exhausted
- Frustration, resentment, or neglect from the caregiver
- Decline in the caregiver’s physical or mental health
10. Care Needs Are Increasing Beyond What Family Can Provide
While family caregiving comes from a place of love, it can reach a point where it’s no longer sustainable or safe without professional help. When the needs of the person receiving care outpace the family’s capacity to give it, home care becomes not just helpful, but essential. It can improve care quality while preserving the emotional health of everyone involved.
Signs to look for:
- Family caregivers are constantly rearranging their lives to provide care
- The level of care required is becoming too complex (e.g., lifting, medical care, 24/7 supervision)
- Guilt or tension is rising within the family due to the demands of caregiving
- Loved ones are struggling to balance caregiving with work, parenting, or their own health
There is government funding which assists with Home Sare supports. These can be through programmes such as a Home Care package or the Commonwealth home support program. At times due to time constraints and financial circumstances, private home care services may be the most appropriate option. Here at Class Professionals we have Private home care services to meet the needs of such individuals.
If you or a loved one would like to speak to someone regarding private home care services please get in touch with us today (08) 9409 1094
