Signs that you or your loved ones need help at home

• Notice your house is in disarray and not maintained, the lawn is not mowed; bills are behind or not paid at all.
• Show evidence of falls such as bruises or skin tears with no explanation. You notice slower ambulation around the house or an unsteady gait when walking.
• Are neglecting personal hygiene: hair and fingernails are unkempt; wearing the same clothes repeatedly or inappropriate clothing for the season.
• Are forgetful about whether medications have been taken or not. Medications run out too soon or not soon enough.
• Are reluctant to leave home, afraid to drive or get lost easily in familiar areas; have frequent traffic violations or minor accidents. You notice a dent or scratch on the car.
• Have marked weight loss or dehydration. Food spoils in the refrigerator, and fewer trips are made to the grocery store.
• Leave appliances on, forget to lock the doors, take out trash or get the mail. Doctor’s appointments are missed, and there is confusion about what day it is.
• Displays changes in behaviors or routines. Reluctance to go out to visit friends/family or to go to church or regular social activities. Sleeping during the day or frequently crying about trivial matters.

Questions to Ask when Choosing an Agency:

• Is the agency locally owned and operated?
• How do they select, orient, train and supervise their employees?
• Does the provider of services include family members when developing the plan of care?
• Are caregivers given the information if there is a change in the plan of care?
• Does the agency assign supervisors to each client and if so how often do they make routine
  supervisory visits?
• What measures are in place for emergency services? Are measures in place “24x7”?
• How is client confidentiality ensured?
• Is client satisfaction surveyed in a routine fashion? What is done with the information found from the results?
• Can the agency suggest strategies about how to encourage extra help for my parents who need help but are at this time resistant to the idea?
• How flexible is the agency about changing the care to meet changing personal needs?
• Is the agency merely a registry of independent labor or are they an agency that actually screens, trains and supervises their employees?
• Is the agency licensed by your state?
• Does the agency handle all liability for injuries, withholding taxes and filing the proper documents – or is that your responsibility?