10 Clues Your Aging Parent Might Need Home Care

People are living longer today than ever before. According to the US Census Bureau, Americans age 65 and older will represent over 18% of the population by the year 2030. But while a longer life expectancy is certainly something to celebrate, it also brings challenges.

The reality is that many seniors will eventually require some level of care and assistance with daily living. Unfortunately, they also find it difficult to ask for help. People value their independence and privacy, so they do not want to be a burden on their family and friends. In other words, your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily, but might also be doing their best to keep it from you.  So you need to be proactive to help your aging loved one.

Below is a list of 10 indicators to help you quickly assess a loved one’s condition so that you can identify potential areas of concern and make important decisions:

1. Medical Condition. Has there been a recent diagnose disease, illness or injury that could affect your loved one’s ability to function on a daily basis?
2. Driving. Does your loved one’s impaired vision, hearing and/or reflexes increase their risk for being involved in a car accident?
3. Food/Nutrition. Is your loved one eating well-balanced meals and maintaining a steady weight? Is the food in the refrigerator within its expiration dates?
4. Hygiene. What is your loved one’s overall appearance? Do they have overwhelming body odor? Do they wear suitable clothing for the weather? Are the bed linens, bath towels and laundry clean?
5. Behavior. Is your loved one anxious, irritable or depressed? Do they have difficulty remembering names, places and current events?
6. Daily Tasks. Are basic tasks, such as going grocery shopping and preparing meals, becoming overly challenging or time-consuming for your loved one?
7. Medication. Is your loved one able to manage his or her medications properly including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions being refilled in a timely fashion?
8. Finances. Is your loved one able to manage his or her personal finances, pay bills and balance the checkbook?
9. Mail. Is the mail stacking up? Do you see past due or delinquency notices?
10. Safety. Does your loved one remember to turn off appliances and extinguish candles or cigarettes? Does he or she keep the doors and windows locked?

If you have any concerns, even with one issue, it may be time to take a more active role in your loved one’s life. Trust your instincts. Begin by sharing your concerns with your loved in a respectful, non-threatening manner. Let them know your intent is to understand and respect their wishes while ensuring safety and comfort. Then, explore your options.

Often there are simple things you can do to provide assistance with daily living. You may consider hiring a home care agency, such as FirstLight Home Care – South Sound, to provide assistance with daily activities a few days a week. We provide care plans customized to your loved one’s needs and our caregivers are trained, experienced and compassionate.