There are approximately 36 million senior adults in the US. Seniors living alone or with a senior spouse may need help staying safe, healthy and independent at home. At some point, they may need a home health care aide to provide assistance with medical problems, Alzheimer’s issues or to do cooking and organizing. How will family members know when this time has come? Staying in touch and visiting whenever possible will make it easier to spot the warning signs that in-home elderly care is needed.

1. A recent fall suggests there might be physical limitations not only during recovery but in daily living. Having a senior homecare professional available to help with mobility and watching out for safety will provide peace of mind for the family without the senior losing their independence.

2. A cold house might be a sign that the heating bill has not been paid. This is often due to lack of money or forgetfulness in making payments. Most utility companies offer programs for family members to be notified when a bill is late. This might be helpful in preventing future cutoffs of gas, water or electricity.

3. Laundry, dishes, newspapers and mail clutter the home. When dirty dishes are piled up in the sink or wet laundry is left in the washing machine for days, this is possibly a symptom of forgetfulness. Failure to do laundry and not putting things away could also be a sign of depression.

4. Body odor is a telltale sign that someone has not bathed or is not practicing regular hygiene routines. Hair that is greasy or has not been brushed or combed recently is likely a warning that other things are being neglected as well. At-home senior care providers can assist with bathing, brushing teeth and dressing.

5. Noticeable weight loss is often an indication that someone has not been eating properly. Some seniors forget to eat. Half-empty shelves in the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets are likely signals that either finances are tight or they need assistance from senior companions to help with grocery shopping and light cooking.

6. Bruises are usually the result of a bump or fall. Hands and arms are frequently used as a reflex to prevent falls. Bruising on the head or legs is often caused by running into things or falling down. Asking how the bruises got there may be more productive than assuming there was a fall. For example, they may be the side effect of certain medications, such as blood thinners. If the person cannot remember, there may be additional concern over memory loss and frequent forgetfulness.