Many of our senior parents live independently and have
healthy and full lives. It’s normal to worry about our parents as they age, and
if you suspect your parent might need some help at home, it may be time to have
a conversation with them. While senior parents can be notoriously resistant to
accepting that they need some help, there may come a point when it’s necessary
for their safety, their health, and for the whole family’s peace of mind.
Signs a
Senior Needs Help at Home
Our
team at UMC has put together this guide to help you determine if your
parent may need home care services. Please contact us if you have any questions
or need assistance.
Difficulty
Performing Activities of Daily Living
If you notice that your parent is starting to have
trouble with daily activities like cooking, getting dressed, showering, using
the bathroom, and even getting around from room to room, it may be time to talk
to them about home care. People often think that home care is only for people
who are seriously ill or incapacitated, but many seniors have home care help
for daily activities.
Changes in Physical Function and Appearance
These changes include things like wearing dirty or
stained clothing, weight loss from not eating properly or frequently enough,
dirty or messy hair, untrimmed nails, a noticeable odor from not showering
frequently, and bruises or scratches from falling or bumping into things. Pay
close attention to your parent’s physical appearance and overall hygiene when
you visit with them because these are often indicators that they are struggling
at home.
Changes in
Behavior and Mental Status
If your senior parent has a full social life with many
hobbies and interests, be on the lookout for any changes that may indicate
their mental health is struggling. Things like failing to return your phone
calls and text messages, a loss of interest in their hobbies, and no longer
seeing their friends regularly may be red flags. We all go through mental
health challenges in our lives and your senior parent may need some help.
Neglecting
Household Responsibilities
Keeping your house running involves a lot of
responsibilities: paying the bills, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and keeping up
with any other household repairs and maintenance. If you visit your parent’s
home and notice anything out of the ordinary, like a pile of dishes in the
sink, a stack of unpaid or unopened bills, or that their prescription
medications haven’t been refilled, it’s time to have a conversation with them.
You’ll need to learn more about what they’re struggling with to identify the
areas family and home health aides can assist with.n.
What happens
next?
While it’s never an easy conversation to have,
discussing home help with your senior parent is essential for their health,
safety, and overall well-being. You can expect them to be resistant to the idea
at first, but start the conversation sooner rather than later, and take the
time to really listen to your parent and understand their concerns.
Home health aides can greatly enrich your parent’s
quality of life, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they are being
cared for when you’re not able to be there. Keeping a clean and orderly home,
staying on top of prescription medications, and regular assistance with things
like shopping and cooking can go a long way in improving one’s mental health
and minimizing physical safety risks.
If you’d like more information about caring for your
senior parent, or if you have any questions about in-home companions and
aides, please contact our
team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you!
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