If you’ve noticed anything unusual about your aging parent, it’s time to pay more close attention to them. Many aging adults won’t ask for help, and since you know your parent more than anyone, it’s your responsibility to look out for signs that tell you that your aging parent needs help. Certain signs signal trouble and will require you to get your aging parent the help they need to live a more fulfilling life. Whether you are living with your aging parents or visiting, here are the signs to look out for.
Tattered Clothing
Have you noticed your aging parent wearing tattered clothes? Are their clothes worn out or dirty? Does your aging parent constantly neglect their personal hygiene and appearance? If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to get them help or talk to them about assisted living community.
Cognitive Decline
Have you noticed your aging parent get confused and uncertain when performing tasks that they usually do? Do they always forget their food on gas? Do they constantly lose important items due to forgetfulness? This usually happens due to cognitive declines that many aging adults experience as they age. You need to get your aging parent help if they seem unsure about how to do basic daily tasks such as personal grooming.
Depression and Isolation
Has your aging parent stopped smiling or laughing like they normally do? Have you noticed them showing little to no interest in activities they used to love? They may be depressed and have lost interest in living. Getting help is important at this point to get them back to a cheerful state.
Management of Medications
Has your aging parent been forgetting to take their medications? Have you noticed their bottles of pills are still full? Are they constantly missing their medical appointments or rescheduling? Get them help!
Unexplained Weight Loss/Gain and Poor Diet
Have you noticed your loved one losing or gaining weight without an explanation? Do they forget to eat or are eating less than they should? Do they consume only fast food or prepackaged snacks? These are bad for their health and need to stop.
Frequent Falls and Injuries
Has your aging parent been falling too often recently? Have you noticed unexplained bruises or other injuries on them? Your loved one’s home may no longer be safe for them as they may be experiencing falls and injuries because of the hazardous conditions of their home, such as the kitchen, and bathroom.
Dirty Yard and House
Have you noticed extreme clutter and evidence of hoarding in your loved one’s apartment? Does their apartment look littered with spoiled food in sight? If the yard hasn’t been taken care of and the apartment looks untidy, it’s time to get help as your aging parent may no longer have the capability to do housekeeping and maintenance.
Other signs showing that your aging parent needs help include mismanagement of funds, unsafe driving, incontinence, unpaid bills, and many others. When you notice these things about your aging parent, consider discussing with them about a move into retirement communities with assisted living and memory care options. Our retirement community has the right amenities with compassionate team members that can assist your loved one to live a more fulfilling life.
