The majority of the aging population wants to hold on to their independence as long as possible often hiding health problems and hesitating to ask for any help from their children or family members. If you are an adult child or family member with an aging parent or loved one, here are six signs you should not ignore because your elderly parent may need professional care.
- Dirty and unkempt .
If your parent or loved one has always maintained their hygiene, grooming, and overall appearance but recently looks disheveled, then this is a red flag that there is something wrong. There can be several reasons why your aging parent or loved one decreased their self-care; reasons can be: decrease of mobility, memory decline, or mental health issues. The only way to find out why they no longer take care of themselves is to communicate your concerns to them and their primary doctor.
- Weight loss or weight gain.
Most individuals lose and gain weight, but if you’ve noticed your parent’s or loved one’s weight change drastically, then this is an area of concern. If your elderly parent/loved one has lost a lot of weight that is a sign that they are not consuming enough calories to maintain their normal weight. They could be forgetting to eat, aren’t able to prepare their food, are having a hard time consuming their food. If they have gained a large amount of weight this too is a serious concern because it can be health-related or they have limited access to healthy foods. Whether they have lost or gained weight, you need to look inside their kitchen, watch them when they eat, and speak to a health professional about your findings.
- Lack of communication.
If your aging parent or loved one has stopped calling or speaking to their friends and family this is a clear sign they experiencing mental health issues such as depression. If your parent or loved one has always been social and an extrovert, then suddenly has begun isolating themselves from the world, including you, then this is a sign that they need help. If their emotional state of mind is left ignored they can spiral down even further greatly impacting their overall health. Daily communication and interaction with an elderly parent or loved one is imperative to ensure their safety and their health.
- Their driving skills have declined.
Aging adults want to continue to drive themselves around as long as possible because it represents being self-sufficient and independent. The reality is older individuals are putting themselves and others at risk when they are behind the wheel. If you have been in the passenger seat while your aging parent or loved one was driving and you noticed they ran red lights, ignored stop signs, drove too slow or too fast, almost hit another driver or pedestrian, or is constantly getting lost, then you need to switch seats and have them in the passenger’s seat or hire a caregiver to take them places.
- Cognitive health problems.
If your aging parent or loved one has grown increasingly forgetful, suffers from memory loss, cannot communicate or comprehend like they used to, or having a difficult time with decision making and functions then this is a clear sign that their cognitive health is in decline. You should take your aging parent or loved one to their doctor so they can determine whether or not your parent or loved one has a serious disease such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. This will help you determine whether or not your parent needs a caregiver that is experienced in Alzheimer’s care.
- Bruises, scrapes, and broken bones.
One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, so if you noticed bruising or cuts in the scalp area on your senior age parent or loved one, you need to be alarmed and take this sign seriously. If your elderly parent or loved one is left home alone most of the day or live by themselves in a home with stairs or slippery floors you need to take the steps to prevent them from falling. When elderly falls are left ignored they can lead to more falls, hospital stays, or worst – loss of life. You may fall-proof the home, get their eyes checked, get them a walker or wheelchair, or hire a caregiver to ensure their overall safety and health.
Contact us for home care in McLean, or home care in Falls Church or home care in Burke, or home care near you. If you are searching for a caring, trustworthy, professional senior home care in McLean, home care in Falls Church, or home care in Burke, please contact Safe and Secure Transition Home Care at 703-539-0411 or Click the Image Below:
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