Introduction
Caring for an aging loved one involves more than just physical assistance—it requires addressing 8 essential needs that impact their overall well-being. Many families focus on medical care but overlook critical areas like emotional support, safety, and social connection.
At Healing Hands Home Care, Inc., we’ve helped thousands of Chicago-area families create balanced care plans. This easy-to-use checklist helps you:
✅ Identify gaps in your loved one’s current care
✅ Prioritize improvements for better quality of life
✅ Access local Illinois resources to fill unmet needs
Whether you’re a new caregiver or have been helping for years, this guide ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Key Takeaways
- 8 Critical Needs: Physical, medical, emotional, social, safety, cognitive, spiritual, and environmental
- Red Flags: Signs each need isn’t being fully met
- Quick Fixes: Simple solutions for common gaps
- Professional Help: When to seek home care support
- Local Resources: Chicago-area senior services
- Free Download: Printable checklist at the end
The 8 Needs Checklist
1. Physical Health
✓ Basics Covered?
- Chronic pain management plan
- Regular vision/dental checkups
- Age-appropriate exercise
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Grimacing when moving
• Expired eyeglass prescription
💡 Quick Fix:
- Chicago Park District senior fitness classes
- Rush Senior Pain Clinic referrals
2. Medical Care
✓ Basics Covered?
- Medications organized and taken correctly
- Regular doctor visits
- Chronic condition management
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Missed medications
• Worsening health without explanation
💡 Quick Fix:
- Pill organizers with alarms
- Healing Hands’ medication management
3. Emotional Wellbeing
✓ Basics Covered?
- Meaningful conversations daily
- Opportunities to express feelings
- Depression/anxiety screening
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Withdrawing from activities
• Saying “I’m fine” but seeming sad
💡 Quick Fix:
- Chicago Senior Center social programs
- Pet therapy visits
4. Social Needs
✓ Basics Covered?
- Regular contact with friends/family
- Community engagement
- Transportation to social events
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Days without seeing others
• Loss of interest in hobbies
💡 Quick Fix:
- Senior day programs (CJE SeniorLife)
- Volunteer visitor programs
5. Home Safety
✓ Basics Covered?
- Fall-proofed home (grab bars, no rugs)
- Emergency alert system
- Clutter-free spaces
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Recent falls or close calls
• Burned pots (forgetting stove)
💡 Quick Fix:
- Free home safety eval (Chicago Dept. Aging)
- Medical alert necklace
6. Cognitive Stimulation
✓ Basics Covered?
- Brain-stimulating activities
- Memory aids (calendars, labels)
- Dementia screening if needed
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Forgetting recent conversations
• Difficulty following recipes
💡 Quick Fix:
- Rush Memory Club activities
- Puzzle/game nights
7. Personal Care
✓ Basics Covered?
- Daily hygiene assistance (bathing, oral care)
- Clean, appropriate clothing
- Dignified incontinence care
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Body odor or unbrushed teeth
• Wearing same clothes repeatedly
💡 Quick Fix:
- Adaptive clothing (silverts.com)
- Caregiver training for sensitive tasks
8. End-of-Life Planning
✓ Basics Covered?
- Advance directive/Living will completed
- Comfort care
- Dignity preservation
⚠ Warning Signs:
• Avoiding conversations about future care
• Family conflicts over hypothetical decisions
💡 Quick Fix:
- Free workshops at Northwestern Medicine
How Healing Hands Home Care Helps
Our Chicago caregivers address all 8 needs through:
- Personalized care plans
- Transportation to social/medical appointments
- Home safety modifications
- Companionship & cognitive engagement
“This checklist showed gaps we never noticed. Now Mom gets full-spectrum care!” – The Rivera Family, Logan Square
Local
- Neighborhoods: Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville
- Landmarks: CJE SeniorLife, Rush Alzheimer’s Center
- Service Area: Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, McHenry
Embedded Map:
[Google Maps – Healing Hands Home Care, Chicago]
NAP:
Healing Hands Home Care, Inc.
📍 6730 W Higgins Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
📞 (773) 792-3333
🌐 healinghandshomecare.com
FAQ Section
Q: How often should I reassess these needs?
A: Every 3-6 months or after any health change.
Q: Where can I get help with home modifications?
A: Chicago Department of Aging offers free safety assessments.
Q: Does Medicare cover social support services?
A: Some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation/social programs.
Q: What if my loved one refuses help?
A: Focus on one unmet need at a time (“Let’s try meal delivery first”).
Q: How do I print this checklist?
A: Download our PDF version [insert link].
Call-to-Action
Don’t guess what your loved one needs—know for sure with our expert checklist.
📞 Call (773) 792-3333 for:
- Free 8-needs assessment
- Gap analysis & solutions
- Custom care plans
Serving Chicago & suburbs—because comprehensive care changes everything.