Signs your Elderly Parent Needs Homecare Help You’ve been noticing changes for a while now, slowly, one by one… your aging parent isn’t able to care for themselves as independently as before. Their making excuses as to why the laundry isn’t done, the bathroom cleaned or the garbage taken out. When is this gradual noticing of signs enough to do something about the situation? When should you call in extra homecare help?
Here are signs to help you make that decision. The list is not exhaustive, as each person is living their own unique situation. If your loved one exhibits a few of these indicators, be proactive and consider calling Entrust Home Care Services to schedule your complimentary in-home care services.
Forgetfulness: Is your aging loved one forgetting appointments, misplacing items and not taking their medications accurately? Consider that dementia is different than the forgetfulness associated with normal aging.
Changes in housekeeping: Are the dishes piling up? Is the food in the fridge and cupboards all within their expiry dates? A clean and clutter-free home is an important safety issue that cannot be undervalued. Preventing unnecessary illness, trips and falls are the benefits of better housekeeping.
Depression: Does your elderly loved one seem lethargic, unmotivated to keep up their activities fo daily living or to maintain social contact with friends? Of course, depression is a serious illness that must be discussed with your health care provider, however homecare services provide a social outlet as well as a renewed sense of independence, which may lift their mood.
Weight loss: Often a sign of malnutrition, weight loss is an important indicator of declining health and may mean that your aging loved one is not able to prepare nutritious, balanced meals for themselves. Having someone prepare meals and freeze individual servings means your loved one’s health has a strong foundation.
Changes in hygiene: Have you noticed changes in grooming, bathing and dressing? Are they wearing clothes too often or clothing that seems inappropriate for the season or time of day?
Falls, burns or bruises: Do you notice any unexplained bumps, bruises or burns? They may feel embarrassed to tell you of a fall, feeling they’re admitting their age. Making the home a safer place by installing railings, removing throw rugs and other trip hazards is a start. But, having someone to assist them with chores and other difficult physical tasks is an everyday precaution.
Incontinence: Loss of bladder control is common, but you should look for signs that incontinence is preventing your loved one from socializing or taking part in their hobbies or everyday tasks.
Mobility issues: Getting around is sure to get more difficult as we age and the physical complaints compound, yet that doesn’t need to prevent your aging loved one from enjoying time outdoors. Having homecare helps to ensure clients can get around safely.
Mood changes and resistance to help: It’s common for someone who feels as though they’re losing their independence, physical ability and so on, to resist help. They may want to prove they can still care for themselves. Many are afraid of going into one of those long-term care facilities we’ve all heard horror stories about. Either way, you need to remember that if your loved one can enjoy an improved quality of life with extra help, finding a way through the resistance is important. Speak to your homecare service provider on how to approach this subject with your loved one.
If you feel your loved one exhibits a few of these indicators of needing extra assistance to remain independent, please contact your local Home Care Provider today for a complimentary in-home consultation.