My friend’s mother used to say that despite their physical limitations, she and her partner Stan outside as one functioning person by combining their remaining abilities. This is common among couples who have lived together for a long time and learned to adapt and compensate for each other’s weaknesses. However, waiting for an emergency to seek help is not necessary. Here are three indicators that it may be time to bring in outside assistance:

Routine

When people lose the ability to maintain a routine and perform everyday tasks, outside help may be needed. This includes transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and meal preparation, personal care such as bathing and dressing, and household chores.

Safety

If cognitive or mobility issues pose a danger to a loved one alone, a companion can provide a watchful eye and helping hand to prevent accidents. For instance, forgetting to turn off the stove or experiencing frequent falls can lead to severe injuries or tragedies.

Loneliness and Boredom

Long periods of social isolation can lead to depression, which can be mitigated by bringing in a non-medical home care companion. They can provide new stories and perspectives, listen with interest, and offer friendship to the care recipient who may feel disconnected from the outside world.

Recognizing that a beloved family member cannot handle things independently can be difficult. However, once you embrace the idea of obtaining external assistance, you may be amazed by how it can alleviate your burden and bring joy to your loved one’s life.