Watching your parents age and their health decline is extremely difficult. You’re constantly concerned about their well-being and wonder if they need help to get through daily activities. If you’re unsure if professional care is necessary for your senior parent, read about the most noticeable signs to look for.
1. Poor Personal Hygiene
If you observe that your parent is not bathing regularly, has unkempt hair, or is wearing the same clothes for days, it could signal that they need help. These changes might stem from physical limitations, such as arthritis that makes it difficult to bathe, or cognitive difficulties, like forgetting daily routines. Neglecting personal hygiene can lead to skin infections, unpleasant odors, and a general decline in health.
2. Changes in Physical Health
Physical health changes include unexplained weight loss, frequent fatigue, or a noticeable decrease in mobility. Seniors may struggle with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that cause them more hardships as they age. A rapid decline in their physical condition demands additional support.
Professional caregivers can administer medications, monitor vital signs, assist with mobility, help with personal hygiene, manage meal preparation, and provide companionship to ensure your parent’s health is maintained.
3. Accidental Injuries
Accidental injuries, such as falls or burns, pose a significant risk for seniors, especially since bouncing back like they did in their younger years is more difficult for their aging bodies.
Senior adults that suffer multiple falls at home or seem accident-prone need increased supervision and assistance. A professional caregiver can establish a safer environment, aid with mobility, and provide essential support to prevent future accidents.
4. Indications of Depression
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and depression is a common issue among seniors. Signs of depression can include withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite, and a lack of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.
Encouraging mental health treatments for a loved one can be difficult, but helping them get the treatment they need to live a healthy life is vitally important. A psychiatrist can provide support, offer therapy sessions, prescribe medication, and get your loved one back on their feet.
5. Mismanaging Medications
Many senior adults need professional care with managing medications, especially since missed doses can have severe consequences on their health. Enlist professional help if you notice that your parent is forgetting to take their medication, taking incorrect amounts, or mixing up their medications. Mismanaging medications can lead to adverse reactions, worsening of medical conditions, and even hospitalization.
Hiring an at-home care services is not just a way to improve companionship for seniors; it ensures that your parents take the correct dosage and each medication on time to maintain a healthy body and mind.
Aging comes with many health complications that make it difficult to sustain an independent lifestyle. Engaging professional caregivers will strengthen your parent’s quality of life. They’ll receive necessary assistance, companionship, and the energy to socialize or partake in their favorite hobbies again.