It’s hard to figure out how to know when your elderly parents need help, but your recent holiday visit may hold some clues. That’s why, as you return to regular life post-holidays, it’s helpful to take some time to reflect on how your parents were doing during your recent visit home.
When you visited them for the holidays, how did they seem? Was their house in good condition? How was their hygiene? Did it seem like they were getting out enough?
These questions and more can offer crucial clues to help with elder care planning, so it’s important to schedule some time to think carefully. Here’s what to look for:
Change May Signify Parents Need Home Care Help While there are many kinds of signals to look out for, the most important thing is change. Focus on things that surprise you or are noticeably different, as this is one of the most significant signs that your parents are struggling. Pay special attention to any changes that can’t be explained by the current circumstances.
Their Senses Aren’t the Same Did your parents have more trouble seeing food on their dinner plate? Did you have to repeat yourself several times just to help them hear you? If so, it may be a sign that they could use an extra hand.
Eye and ear treatments like glasses or hearing aids can make ordinary loss of hearing and vision very manageable. If their vision or hearing loss is inconveniencing them despite those treatments, however, they may need help. Once you’ve scheduled them an appointment with an eye or ear doctor, consider asking if they could use home care assistance with everyday tasks.
They’re Having Trouble Getting Around How did your parents move around the house? Did they seem slower or less coordinated than they used to, or did they complain of joint or hip pain more often than you expected?
Mobility issues like pain, stiffness or reduced coordination aren’t just uncomfortable; they interfere with almost every aspect of daily life. They make nearly every task from cooking to cleaning to bathing more difficult, and they attach a laundry list of logistical concerns to even the most mundane outings.
A little day-to-day help can make your parents’ joint pain and mobility issues a lot easier. By simply removing barriers, senior care at home can give them back a lot of time and energy.
They’re Staying Home a Lot Did it seem like your parents are getting out of the house less frequently than they used to? Perhaps they were hesitant to run errands until it was necessary, or perhaps going to social occasions just didn’t seem worth the effort.
Mobility issues, anxiety and loneliness can impose barriers and reduce their motivation to step out, while cognitive decline can make it hard for them to keep appointments or remember errands. Retirement can also be a factor: Without the need to go to work every day, many seniors simply get in the habit of staying home.
Regardless of the reason, staying home too much can lead to loneliness, boredom and difficulty completing everyday tasks. To help them get out of the house, consider connecting them with a caregiver who can provide transportation assistance.
They’re Having Memory Issues Did your parents seem unusually forgetful or disorganized? Did they draw a blank when you mentioned a key childhood memory? Did they become unexpectedly agitated or confused?
These may be a sign that your parents are experiencing Alzheimer’s, dementia or another form of cognitive decline. A skilled professional caregiver can offer predictability, familiarity and practical assistance that promotes a sense of calm and comfort.
They’re Not Keeping Up With the Basics Many conditions common in seniors have symptoms that make it hard to keep up with everyday chores and errands. Even if there’s no underlying condition, the simple fact is that aging slows people down. That’s why many older people struggle to handle important tasks like grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning.
If your parents aren’t keeping up with the basics, there are usually signs. You might have noticed:
- A more cluttered or dirty house than usual
- More mail and unpaid bills lying around than expected
- Damage or disrepair that they would have normally fixed
- Little food (or expired food) in the fridge
- Poor personal hygiene
Whether there’s an underlying condition or your parents are just slowing down, a caregiver can make life easier by taking important tasks off their plate.
For more on what to look for, check out these 10 signs your elderly parent needs help.
How to Get Elderly Parents the Help They Need
Taking time to reflect is a great way to ring in the new year, and one of the most important things to consider is when it’s time to start care for your parents. Fortunately, holiday visits offer a wealth of clues.
If you’re wondering how to know when your elderly parents need help, FirstLight Home Care is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers help them with everyday tasks and offer transportation to get them out of the house, making many aspects of their life much easier.
What to learn more? Contact us to schedule a home care evaluation.