When Is It Time to Get Help?
How to Recognize the Signs Your Loved One Needs Support
It’s not always easy to know when to step in. Maybe your parent insists they’re “doing fine.” Or perhaps you’ve been picking up small responsibilities, not realizing how much it’s adding up.
At CareReach, we’ve supported hundreds of families through this decision — and here’s what we’ve learned: by the time you’re asking this question, it’s usually time to start a conversation.
Signs Your Loved One May Need Help
Look for changes in physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being, such as:
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Missed meals or poor nutrition
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Declining hygiene or appearance
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Confusion, forgetfulness, or disorientation
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A messy or unsafe living environment
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Missed medications or confusion around prescriptions
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Unsteady walking, increased falls, or difficulty getting up
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Isolation, sadness, or withdrawal from social activities
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Stacks of unpaid bills, missed appointments, or mail piling up
These signs often signal that daily tasks are becoming overwhelming — and that support at home can make all the difference.
Signs the Family Caregiver May Need Help Too
Sometimes it’s not just the client who’s struggling — it’s the family.
You don’t have to do this alone. Home care gives you breathing room without stepping away from your loved one’s needs.
Who Can Benefit from Home Care?
Many families assume getting help means handing everything over — it doesn’t. You can start with:
A few hours a week for errands or companionship
Short daily visits for medication reminders or hygiene
24-hour support during recovery or transitions
Respite care while you travel or rest
You stay in control — we just help lighten the load.
FAQS about
Understanding Home Care
✔ Yes — and it often works best that way. Home Health provides short-term medical care (like wound care or physical therapy), usually a few times per week. Home care fills the gap between those visits, offering daily support with bathing, meals, transportation, medication reminders, and more.
✔ Hospice teams focus on medical comfort and pain management — but they can’t always stay for extended periods. CareReach provides non-medical support alongside hospice, like helping your loved one reposition, preparing meals, offering companionship, and simply being present when families need rest.
✔ No. Home care is non-medical, so it does not require a physician’s referral. You can begin services at any time based on your loved one’s needs.
✔ Absolutely. Many families use home care for respite, coverage during work hours, or just a few hours of relief per day. You’re still the primary decision-maker — we’re here to support you, not replace you.
✔ Home care is flexible. You can increase or reduce hours, pause care temporarily, or adjust services based on your loved one’s condition. We’ll check in regularly and update the plan as needed.
Explore Our Home Care Services
Not every care journey is the same - learn more about all of our services and find the care that best fits your family's needs.
