Skip to main contentSkip to navigation

Do Mom & Dad Need More Help?

30-second WHO-based checklist to know when in-home care makes sense

It was a small slip. Mom was reaching up to the counter to grab the coffee mug and lost her balance. Mom and mug fell together, luckily the only thing broken was the mug. Mom looked sheepish and it was a gentle reminder to her (and me) that a single tumble is part of a pattern that almost one in four older adults experience every year, and data show the very first fall doubles the odds of the next one. Suddenly you're asking: Do we need more help?

Sometimes the signals are quieter - it can be an unpaid bill or a loud television. These are just some of the simple signs that the senior may need help with some basic living needs. Aging brings new challenges and catching them early gives you options and peace of mind in the long run. Experts agree that the sooner a gap is identified, the sooner you can determine the best course of action, saving you from big bills, high stress, missed work obligations, and most importantly, keeping your loved one safe and independent for as long as possible.

To get ahead of these risks, below is a 30-second checklist adapted from the World Health Organization's 2024 ICOPE screen. Answer each "yes" or "no." If two or more land on "yes," that's when Havencare steps in with an expert-led assessment and a care plan that updates itself every time life changes.

Potential Blind Spots - Quick Questions for Families

Mobility / Falls

Does it take 12 seconds or more for Mom/Dad to stand, walk 10 ft, turn, and sit?

Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

In the past month, did they need hands-on help with bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating or continence?

Nutrition / Vitality

Has your parent lost ≥ 5% of body weight unintentionally in the last 6 months?

Medication self-management

Were any pills missed or doubled in the last 30 days or two or more ER or hospital stays in the last six months?

Cognition / Money-skills

Have any late fees, duplicate payments or new credit-card delinquencies appeared?

Mood & Social engagement

Are you noticing them skipping activities they once enjoyed or have they been spending more time alone than usual?

Sensory (Vision/Hearing)

Do they turn up the TV or miss half the words in conversation?

Carer capacity

(Ask Yourself) On a 0 to 10 scale, how drained do I feel after a typical caregiving week? Has it been higher than 6 for 2 consecutive weeks?

If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, then you may be at the point to consider whether professional respite or a paid aide becomes preventive care, not a luxury.

Book a free 15-minute consultation and our care manager will talk through options, no obligation.

Havencare's experienced care managers can help you determine the next best course of action - whether it's just additional social activities or more. Our expert team and our proprietary technology will conduct an in-depth assessment and build a completely personalized care plan with proactive monitoring every step of the way.

Why Havencare?

Expert Matching

Our proprietary technology matches you with caregivers based on specific needs and preferences.

Vetted Professionals

All caregivers undergo comprehensive background checks and skills assessments.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support and monitoring to ensure peace of mind for families.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges.