Seeing our parents grow old is undoubtedly a harsh reality of life. From taking care of you as a child and being your support to someone who needs assistance with even basic life tasks, they grow old. As hurtful as it might seem, the question is, what can you do to make these golden years a comfortable time span for them?
Keeping a close check on your elderly parent is necessary. It’s the first step before hiring care for the elderly in the home. Monitor their eating, sleeping, and other habits. There are so many signs that can be spotted to know that they need your help and attention.
Here are 10 signs your elderly parent needs help; keep an eye for them:
Poor Hygiene:
Growing old comes with a decline in physical strength and loss of will to take care of oneself. Personal hygiene is where the signs of aging become evident. You can notice prominent changes in their personal care patterns.
The elderly person might not be showering regularly or brushing teeth or hair. You might see them wearing dirty or torn clothes because they need more energy to take care of the laundry. You need to be vigilant if you see any of these signs because this might indicate that they need assistance with basic tasks that they could handle independently earlier. They might even be embarrassed to ask for help; therefore, your attention to the details can be life-saving for them.
Disorganized Home:
Home is an extension of a person’s feelings. If you are happy and healthy, your home is more likely to be organized. You can sense through the cleanliness that its inhabitants are perfectly fit to take care of the space.
If you see any changes in your home, such as a sink full of dishes, clothes scattered around the house, dirty bathrooms, garbage in dustbins, trash bags still in the backyard, or overgrown grass on a lawn, you need to be cautious.
All these signs suggest that your parents aren’t able to take care of the house, which means they might be facing any physical difficulty. It is better to discuss it with them or observe their physical health. Please take them for a general checkup.
Unexplained Injuries:
Look for the physical signs of weakness and discomfort. If you see any bruises and unexplainable injuries, it is time for you to take charge. Minor to major cuts or small bruises indicate that they have difficulty walking around. There is a great possibility of mobility issues or balance problems.
Physical difficulty in carrying out daily tasks is the result of any underlying health condition. From general weakness and nutrient/vitamin deficiencies to severe neurological disorders, there could be any reason. Therefore, there isn’t even a slight room for ignorance; you should seek medical assistance right away.
Confusion and Forgetfulness:
We all are prone to forgetting things or getting confused. However, if it becomes consistent and you can see a pattern, it is alarming. If your parents are struggling to pay their bills on time, unable to remember appointments, or forgetting to take medication on time, they need your help.
You can also find them needing clarification or a little indecisive when while driving, going to the grocery, or using a cell phone. If they are asking questions about how to do simple things or the tasks that they used to complete effortlessly earlier, they need your attention. Book an appointment with a healthcare provider ASAP. If the problem aggravates, it can lead to a major mishap. It is always better to stay cautious while taking care of aging parents.
Changes in Eating Habits:
Proper nutrition is vital for everyone to stay healthy, irrespective of the age group they belong to. However, as some people grow old, you can see visible changes in their eating patterns and choices. If you are seeing your elderly loved one having sudden weight loss or gain, these might be the reasons for these changes:
- Loss of interest in food due to appetite changes.
- Forgetting to prepare meals.
- Unable to prepare meals due to slowed cognition.
- Unable to go for groceries.
- There could be a cognitive condition resulting in the injury of the hungry-controlling part of the brain.
No matter what the reason might be, changes in eating habits are always alarming. If you see anything related to it, you must take immediate action.
Keep An Eye for Behavioral Changes:
However, as we grow, many environmental and social factors contribute to molding our behavior and personality traits. However, for aging adults, any sudden behavior change might be an indication of underlying medical conditions and a call for help.
Look for signs such as aggression, hallucinations, increased depression, delusion, or any other unusual pattern. Look for any changes in mood during evenings and nights. If you notice some changes, look for immediate in-home care services that can cater to your parent’s needs. Timely help always helps in keeping your parents healthier and happier as they age.
Demotivation:
Feeling demotivated from time to time is part of life. Things might only sometimes work out the way we want them to. However, as we age, with a decrease in energy levels, demotivation can be recurrent. Some older adults start giving up their interest and lose motivation to pull through even the basic routine. Here are the signs that suggest your aging parents need more love and attention:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in dealing with daily responsibilities
- Unable to express emotions properly
- Finding it hard to solve problems or to plan something
If you sense any of these signs, you should immediately opt for a proper diagnosis to deal with the situation right away. Delays in proper care and treatment can lead to major health concerns and are often dangerous for your parent’s well-being.
Isolation:
Having a social life is always healthy for individual growth. Being surrounded by friends and family keeps us motivated, sharpens memory, improves cognition, and gives us an overall boost of happiness.
However, aging can infuse feelings of isolation and withdrawal with time. Notice how your parents behave when you visit them. Are they quiet? Is your presence irritable for them? Do you see them losing their social life? Do they need help communicating with a larger group of people? Are they staying home consistently and avoiding going out? Are they feeling humiliated due to underlying health conditions?
Seeing any of these signs means you should seek professional in-home care for your aging parents right away. If not taken care of on time, this isolation can morph into a major physical or mental health concern.
Dependence on Others:
Do you see your parent asking you frequently or taking your opinion over minor things? Do you see them asking for help from neighbors, other family members, or friends for minor tasks such as doing groceries, etc.?
If there is increased dependence on others, it’s time for you to arrange for additional support and care. Realistically, we are part of a fast-paced world where it’s difficult to be fully present and take care of our parents. Therefore, it would be great to look for professional care services to ensure their safety and well-being. Look for the best in-home care services around you.
Loss of Interest in Life in General:
Physical and mental constraints can be a lot to manage and live with. Even an issue as common as backache can be stressful and tiring. Aging comes with a lot of health-related challenges. It can deprive a person of the motivation to carry out even the basic tasks and get through life on a daily.
If you see your parents losing interest in things they used to enjoy, such as walking, gardening, cooking, etc., or if they had any hobbies, it is time for them to get in-home care. Look for True Homecare to rest assured of their safety and health.
Opting for In-Home Care Services:
Being a caregiver comes with a lot of emotional and physical stress. Seeing your parents age and struggle with minor tasks is a lot to take in. Moreover, some aging parents have particular mental and physical health conditions that need specialized care; therefore, hiring in-home care services is the best solution. Here are the detailed benefits that will help you understand the importance of professional in-home care:
Personalized Care:
Home care services offer personalized care plans that are tailored to meet the specific health needs of aging adults. They keep individual preferences in consideration. Moreover, if your parents have specialized health conditions, they will be catered accordingly. For example, Alzheimer’s and dementia care is often provided by professional caregivers, and significant reduction can be seen in symptoms. Likewise, as per requirements, your parents can also receive specialized care.
You can hire them weekly or hourly or sign up for round-the-clock support, depending on the level of support and care required. This flexibility and personalized care option make in-home care the best solution for your aging parents’ well-being.
Comfort of Home:
Nothing is more precious than staying in the comfort of one’s home in the golden years of life. The therapeutic effect of familiar surroundings cannot be understated. In-home care enables aging adults to remain in this familiar environment, surrounded by their personal belongings, which can significantly contribute to their emotional and psychological well-being. The stability of staying at home often leads to improved health outcomes and a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Promotes Healing and Reduces the Risk of Infections:
Research has shown that patients often heal more quickly and effectively in the comfort of their own homes. Moreover, by receiving care at home, the elderly are less exposed to the risk of infections commonly associated with hospital stays and nursing homes.
The personalized attention not only aids in quicker recovery from illnesses or surgeries but also the effective management of chronic conditions, thereby enhancing overall health and longevity.
Independence, Confidence, and Comfort
In-home care empowers elderly individuals by allowing them to maintain a sense of independence. With the support of caregivers, seniors can continue to perform daily activities and routines to the best of their ability.
This autonomy gives them a sense of achievement and confidence, which is crucial for mental health. Moreover, the familiar and comfortable setting can help reduce feelings of isolation and depression, which are common concerns among the elderly.
Family Support and Peace of Mind
For family members, the advantages of in-home care extend to peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is receiving compassionate, professional care. It alleviates the stress and guilt often associated with caregiving responsibilities while allowing families to enjoy quality time with their elderly relatives instead of focusing solely on care duties.
Moreover, in-home care professionals can guide and support families in dealing with their aging parents in a better way.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to long-term care facilities, in-home care can be a more cost-effective solution for many families. Since services are tailored to the individual’s needs, families only pay for the care their loved ones require, which can significantly reduce expenses.
Additionally, in-home care can prevent or delay the need for more intensive and expensive levels of care, such as nursing homes or specialized hospital care.
FAQs:
How can I gently approach the topic of extra care with my elderly parent?
Start by expressing your concern and love. Use specific observations to discuss the changes you’ve noticed, and listen to their perspective. Suggest small, incremental changes to help them maintain their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being.
What should I do if I notice my elderly parent is forgetting to take their medication?
Consider setting up a medication management system, such as a pill organizer or an automatic pill dispenser. You can also look into medication reminder services or apps. Consulting with their healthcare provider may also provide solutions tailored to their specific needs.
My elderly parent has become more isolated. How can I help?
Encourage social interaction by facilitating visits with friends and family, exploring community senior programs, or considering social technology like video calls. Sometimes, a companion service can also provide social stimulation and engagement.
What are the risks if my elderly parent’s hygiene starts to decline?
Poor hygiene can lead to skin infections, dental problems, and a general decline in health. It’s important to address the underlying reasons for the decline, which could include physical limitations or cognitive decline, and seek appropriate interventions.
What modifications can make a home safer for an elderly individual?
Common modifications include installing grab bars in the bathroom, ensuring good lighting throughout the home, removing trip hazards, and possibly adjusting the living space to a single level to avoid stairs. A professional home safety assessment can identify specific needs.
Conclusion:
Keeping a close check on your parent’s physical and mental health is mandatory to ensure a comfortable and healthier lifestyle for them. If you are too caught up with life, you do not have to worry. Sign up for the best in-home care services of True Homecare Care and see your parents spend their golden age the way they deserve to live.
