Figuring out when it’s time to consider home care for an aging parent by yourself isn’t easy. You may see small changes at first, like missing medications, a messy home and or forgetfulness – but feel unsure whether it's just a part of normal aging or a sign that extra support is needed. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we created the Aging Advantage Guide to help families navigate this decision with clarity and care.
Our guide is built on evidence-based practices and national care standards. It includes a thorough checklist of signs to look out for, planning worksheets and helpful insights for determining when home care is the right step for your loved one. In this article, we provide a concise overview of this information to help you get started with your decision.
Key Signs Your Parent or Loved One May Need Home Care
Some of the most common indicators that your aging parents in Boston or on the South Shore may need home care include:
Physical Health
- Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, eating and grooming
- Chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s/dementia or diabetes that require ongoing management
- Mobility challenges, frequent falls or recent accidents
Cognitive Health
- Memory lapses, forgetting medications or confusion in familiar places
- Difficulty with finances or paying bills
- Disorientation or reduced attention span
Emotional Well-being & Social Support
- Personality changes, anxiety, irritability or social withdrawal
- A recent loss or life change impacting emotional stability
- Little or no social interaction or support network
Home Safety & Environment
- Unsafe home conditions such as clutter, poor lighting, or difficulty using stairs
- Inability to manage housework, laundry or cooking
- Problems getting in and out of the bathtub or shower safely
If you’ve noticed several of these, your aging parent may be at increased risk of hospitalization or a crisis event. On page 4 of the attached Aging Advantage Guide 4: Navigating the Care and Caregiving Journey, there is a worksheet with a more comprehensive list of signs where you can check off each item and gain a clearer picture of what’s happening and where support is needed.
Local Support That Prioritizes Comfort and Quality of Life
At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we build on a 15+ year tradition of proudly providing local families with quality in-home support. Our practice is rooted in the nationally recognized Age-Friendly Care at Home Certification from the Community Health Accreditation Partnership (CHAP). This program emphasizes the 4Ms of successful aging:
- What Matters Most – Your parent’s values, wishes and lifestyle goals
- Medication – Safe use and side-effect monitoring
- Mentation – Cognitive and emotional health
- Mobility – Maintaining safety, strength and independence
We use our proprietary LIFE Profile™ assessment to evaluate over 225 risk factors and create a Smart Care Plan™ that is tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. From help with meal preparation and transportation to dementia care and more support, our nurse-led team of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Home Health Aids (HHA) ensure that their care is effective, respectful and personalized.
How to Begin the Conversation
It isn’t always easy to talk with a parent about bringing in help, but it’s important. Planning before a crisis can occur is key. Practicing active listening, showing empathy and giving each person the chance to speak their mind can make a big difference. Keeping open communication, setting expectations and having regular check-ins ensure that your loved one receives the best care possible while retaining their autonomy.
Start With:
- A review of what your parent wants versus what they need
- Our family caregiver worksheet, which covers topics like safety, confidence in daily routines and caregiver burnout
- A planning checklist for financial, legal and health-related documents
Approach the conversation with empathy and openness. Keep comments constructive and focus on your loved one’s well-being. When families take the time to plan, the transition to in-home care is much smoother and more positive.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're beginning to wonder whether your aging parent needs help at home, download our Aging Advantage Guide 4: Navigating the Care and Caregiving Journey for a more in-depth evaluation. You can also reach out to our experienced team members for their professional insight. Call 617-500-6999 or contact us using the form here on our website today.