Knowing when your loved one needs extra help from you or from other people is much more difficult than you might think. Sometimes it’s a matter of knowing what your loved one doesn’t want to tell you that can make the difference.

Stop in without Much Notice

When you’re always letting your loved one know when you’ll be stopping by, she has plenty of time to clean up or to adjust her environment to hide signs that she doesn’t want you to see. If you don’t have the opportunity to observe certain situations, you don’t know that there’s a problem. The answer to that is to stop by without letting your loved one know you’ll be coming. You’ll be able to get a fuller picture of what her daily life is truly like.

Ask Some Pointed Questions

During your conversations with your loved one, ask her some questions that can help you figure out what’s going on with her. If the lawn hasn’t been mowed, for example, ask her what her plans are for that task. If she doesn’t have an answer, that’s an opportunity to offer to help her sort out that situation. If there are new dents in the car, don’t avoid the topic. Ask your loved one what happened and then follow up on the situation.

Do Some Investigative Work

Some situations may involve doing some more investigative work. Your loved one might not tell you, for example, that she’s having trouble driving. But when you take a peek at her driving record, you find that she’s had several tickets for moving violations or possibly even for minor wrecks. By digging deeper you can locate that information.

Propose Some Solutions that Work for Both of You

Your loved one might be reluctant to accept additional help, but you can compromise and find solutions that work for both of you. If driving is an issue, for example, your loved one might be open to having help from senior care providers with transportation.

Paying some extra attention to what your loved one isn’t saying can help you to spot when it’s time to offer extra help. Even if she doesn’t say it, she’ll appreciate your help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Houston, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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