Since no one’s keen to lose their independence, it may be difficult for your aging parents to admit they are having trouble taking care of themselves and need assistance. While difficulty handling daily tasks doesn’t necessarily mean a move to an assisted living facility, it may indicate a need for some extra help around the home. However, when your parents are unwilling to confess a need for support, the burden falls on you to spot the signs.
Decreased Mobility
Walking, balance, and mobility are a leading safety concern for senior citizens; and with good reason. Falls can cause a number of health issues — in fact, one out of five falls causes serious harm, such as broken bones or a head injury
Look for signs of mobility problems, such as:
- Balance issues (e.g. becoming unsteady when walking)
- Difficulty getting out of a chair or when sitting down
- Trouble going up or down stairs
Arrange for modifications throughout the home to improve accessibility, like added railings, grab bars, and barrier free showers.
Decline in Hygiene
Pay close attention to your parents’ personal hygiene routine. Choosing not to bath for a day or two is one thing, but skipping a week or more is something to be concerned about. Your parents might begin to neglect their hygiene for many reasons, such as a fear of falling, mobility problems, depression, or even Alzheimer’s. Be on the lookout for a decline in personal grooming activities, such as brushing hair and teeth, trimming nails, or shaving.
Change in Eating Habits
Do your parents appear to be losing weight, becoming dehydrated, or forgetting to eat? The next time you’re over at their house, surreptitiously check the refrigerator and pantry. Look for more convenience foods than normal, an abundance of spoiled food, or an empty fridge. All can be signs that your parents might be having trouble cooking, holding utensils, or they may have difficulty with their senses of taste and smell.
Increased Forgetfulness
We all have moments of occasional forgetfulness, but when it becomes an noticeable pattern in senior citizens, it’s important to take a closer look at the symptoms.
Are your parents:
- Forgetting appointments, to pay bills, or take medicine?
- Are they getting lost more regularly?
- Have they begun repeating themselves or putting common objects in illogical places?
If this is the case, an assessment might be in order to help determine options and resources. When familiar tasks become challenging, or when your parents seem to struggle to complete a task that they’ve always done, it’s time to seek help.
One of the most frightening prospects for seniors is leaving home, so approach the idea of home care with sensitivity. Let them know that accepting assistance doesn’t mean leaving the warmth and familiarity of their own home; and that whatever service they choose to use, their personal caregiver’s top concern will be their health and happiness.
Liz Greene is a writer and former preschool teacher. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene
This is a very useful article and can be actually helpful for many to understand if their parents need home care and not care in a palliative facility.