Do My Aging Parents Need Care?
As my mother entered her 90s, I began to notice just how quickly her need for support grew with each passing year. Living several hundred miles away, my husband Chris and I juggled our roles—he stayed in Virginia to run our home care business, while I became a frequent flier to Georgia, spending a week each month by my mother’s side. These solo visits were quite different from the family trips we’d taken before. Without the usual distractions of our children, my husband, or even our dog, I had uninterrupted time with her—time that allowed us to connect in a more intentional way. It also gave me a clearer view of how much her independence was changing from one visit to the next.
When my mother passed away in 2017 at the age of 97, I grieved deeply. But I also felt peace knowing I had done all I could to give her comfort, dignity, and a good quality of life in her final years. Being her caregiver reshaped the way I understood aging at home—the subtle signs of decline, the quiet resistance to accepting help, and the very real emotional weight carried by family caregivers. That experience continues to inform the way we care for our clients at Karis Care Services today—and how we walk alongside their families with compassion, respect, and insight that only comes from having lived it myself.
As your parents grow older, it’s natural to wonder: Are they doing okay on their own? How will I know when they need help? At Karis Care Services, we understand how deeply personal—and often overwhelming—this question can be. Many families wrestle with guilt, fear, and confusion as they watch the people who once cared for them begin to show signs that they might need support themselves. The good news is that you don’t have to walk this road alone. With over two decades of experience providing compassionate, faith-centered in-home care, Karis Care Services is here to help you recognize the signs, understand your options, and take the next steps with confidence and peace.
Recognizing the Signs That It's Time for Help
How often do you see your aging parents or loved ones? If you don’t live with them and only come to visit a few times a year, warning signs might be more apparent and look something like this:
Changes in Personal Hygiene or Appearance
Wearing the same clothes day after day
Noticeable body odor or infrequent bathing
Unkempt hair or poor grooming
Unwashed laundry piling up
Memory Loss or Confusion
Repeating the same questions or stories
Getting lost in familiar places
Missing doctor’s appointments or medication doses
Mobility or Balance Issues
Trouble standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Frequent bruises or unexplained injuries
Fear of falling or reduced activity due to instability
Decline in Household Management
Unopened mail and unpaid bills
Clutter, expired food, or dirty dishes in the home
Deterioration in cleanliness or home safety
Emotional or Social Withdrawal
Loss of interest in hobbies
Avoiding friends, family, or church
Increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness
If any of these look familiar, it’s time to pay attention. If lots of them ring a bell for you, it’s time to take action.
When You’re Still Unsure: Trust Your Instincts
If you’re noticing subtle changes but feel unsure whether it’s “time,” ask yourself:
Would I feel better knowing someone is checking in on Mom or Dad regularly?
Am I spending more time worrying than I used to?
Is caregiving beginning to affect my own health, work, or relationships?
Many families wait until a crisis forces their hand, but early support often results in smoother transitions and better outcomes. By beginning a relationship with a
sooner rather than later you can ease reluctant aging parents into care slowly and, hopefully, build a friendship with one or more caregivers that grows stronger over time. When you choose the right company, you can also gain access to a wealth of resources and knowledge that will help you navigate the aging landscape successfully, even as conditions change and abilities decline over time.
What Kind of Care Is Available?
At Karis, we offer a full spectrum of personalized home care services that can start small and adjust over time.
Companion & Respite Care
Friendly conversation
Light housekeeping and meals
Transportation and errands
Relief for family caregivers Learn more →
Personal Care Assistance
Bathing, grooming, dressing
Medication reminders
Transfers and incontinence care Learn more →
Specialized Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
Caregivers trained in memory care
Gentle routines and redirection
Safety supervision Learn more →
Why Families Choose Karis Care Services
We’re not just a home care company—we’re a team of faithful, compassionate professionals who believe in honoring the sacred dignity of every person. Our name, Karis, comes from the Greek word for grace, reflecting our: services.
Integrity in every interaction
Excellence in caregiving
Compassion that honors every story
We’ve served families across our region for over 20 years, building trust one visit at a time. Read some of our family testimonials.
What to Do Next: Steps You Can Take Today
If you’re still not sure what to do, start with these three simple steps:
1. Begin a Conversation
Start gently. Use specific examples of what you’ve noticed. Express love and concern—not judgment. Respect boundaries when you feel walls go up, and offer to drop the subject for now, but ask if you can revisit it at a later date. For more information, visit Karis Cares.
2. Schedule a Free In-Home Assessment
We’ll come to you. One of our experienced care coordinators will assess safety, listen to your concerns, and walk you through options. Book a free consult here.
3. Get Prepared
Start gathering health records, medication lists, and advance directives. It helps to have these ready before an emergency. Here’s a great resource to help.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Let’s talk. schedule a free care consult
In Roanoke, call (540) 966-3399. For more information, visit our Roanoke home care services.
In Lynchburg, call (434) 385-0321.
In Botetourt, call (540) 206-3364. home care botetourt county va
Visit us online at www.kariscares.com
Or schedule a consultation online today.