Getting started
10 Signs It May Be Time for In-Home Dementia Care
How to tell when a parent or spouse with memory loss needs more support at home, and what to do next.
Most families don’t make the decision all at once. Help usually becomes necessary gradually, and it’s easy to adjust to each new change without noticing how much has shifted. These signs suggest it may be time to bring in support.
Safety signs
- Getting lost or wandering, even on familiar routes or inside the home.
- Falls or near-falls, or new bruises with no clear explanation.
- Stove, water or doors left on or open, or unfamiliar people being let in.
- Missed or doubled medications.
Daily-living signs
- Weight loss or spoiled food in the fridge, suggesting meals are being skipped.
- Changes in hygiene, such as wearing the same clothes for days or avoiding bathing.
- Unopened mail and unpaid bills.
Emotional signs
- Evening agitation or confusion (often called sundowning).
- Withdrawal from friends, hobbies or church.
Signs in you
- You’re exhausted. If you are missing work, losing sleep or feeling resentful and guilty, that is a sign too. Caregiver burnout is real, and getting help protects both of you.
What to do next
Start small. A few hours of companionship or respite care each week lets your loved one get to know a caregiver before more help is needed. A free in-home assessment can also point out safety fixes you can make right away.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your loved one’s physician about their specific needs.