October 10, 2025
Taking care of a senior parent can feel overwhelming at times. But remember, no one knows how to do this before they do it. Every situation is different, and what your senior parent needs today could be very different from what they need in a year or five years. But elder care can help you make sure that your senior parent has the support they need to live well independently.
Elder care is a service for seniors where a care provider visits on a set schedule to help with everything from dusting to dishes and more. Elder care providers can cook meals for your parent, do light housekeeping and laundry, take out the trash, help your parent get dressed, and much more.
Elder care is a great solution if your senior parent needs help, but you can’t be there every day to help them. With work, raising kids, and other responsibilities it’s ok if you don’t have time to do it all. A home care provider can make sure that your senior parent has all the support they need to thrive at home.
If your senior parent is living alone, they should have elder care. Even if it’s just a visit every few days, a care provider can check on your senior parent and help them with any household tasks that are too difficult for them. And over time, if your parent needs more help, a care provider can visit more often.
If you notice any of these signs, you should get elder care sooner rather than later. These signs show that your parent may be struggling to keep up with household chores:
One of the first signs your parent may need help is when household chores start to slip. Maybe you notice dirty dishes piling up, laundry not getting done, trash overflowing, or mail stacking up on the counter. Sometimes, older adults have a harder time bending, lifting, or remembering what needs to be done. They might also get tired more easily.
You may notice that your parent starts wearing the same clothes for days, smells like they haven’t bathed, or their hair looks unwashed, which could mean they’re struggling with personal care. Bathing, shaving, and dressing can become risky or tiring, especially if they have balance problems or joint pain.
Another warning sign is when your parent starts forgetting simple things like taking their medications, turning off the stove, locking the doors, or remembering appointments. Sometimes, you may notice unopened mail, unpaid bills, or repeated phone calls asking the same questions.
These signs can mean your parent is having trouble managing daily life or memory, which can put their safety at risk.
If your parent moves slower, holds onto walls or furniture for balance, or has unexplained bruises, it could mean they’re having trouble with mobility or balance. Even one fall can lead to serious injury, loss of confidence, or fear of moving around.
Does your parent seem lonely, depressed, or not interested in the things they used to enjoy? It could be a sign they’re struggling emotionally. Many older adults who live alone spend long hours without company, which can lead to sadness or anxiety. Some may stop cooking for themselves or skip meals because they don’t want to eat alone.
Any senior living alone could benefit from elder care. But if your parent is showing signs that they’re finding it difficult to keep their home clean, tidy, and safe getting elder care for them will help stay safe and live happily at home.
