Since moving out of state last year, you’ve made it a point to call Mom every Sunday afternoon, no exceptions. After catching up on what happened over the last week, she always reassures you that yes, she’s eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking her meds, and doing just fine.

However, visiting her for a few days over the holidays paints a different picture. Her once immaculate kitchen is cluttered with a sink full of food-encrusted dishes, junk mail and newspapers. The refrigerator contains spoiled and expired food. And most concerning of all, there’s a scorch mark on the countertop beside the stove.

For family members living at a distance from senior loved ones, these telltale signs that help is needed are often only evident during in-person visits. Nora Jean Levine, executive director from Caring From a Distance, advises adult children to, ‘Open your eyes. Try and really see what’s going on and not what you want to be going on.’ It’s vital to assess both the home and the senior herself (for signs of depression or confusion, bruises that could indicate falls, and other personality changes). And between visits, ask for the help of a trusted neighbor or hire an Aging Life Care Professional to keep an eye on the senior.

Most importantly, the best way to ensure older loved ones are safe, secure, and thriving is to hire a professional Chicago home care agency, like A-Abiding Care. Providing dedicated senior care services such as transportation, medication reminders, assistance with meals and housekeeping, and friendly companionship can make a world of difference in both the senior’s life and in the life of the family who loves him. Contact our Chicago home care team at 847-698-1400 to learn more about how we can help your loved ones maintain independence at home.