Does Dad look thinner? Is mail stacked up by Mom's front door?
These may be signs your parent needs extra help at home.
Or, these signs may be pointing to larger issues like depression or dementia.
Ignoring problems now could lead to bigger issues later, like having to repair Mom or Dad's credit or help them to heal after a fall.
Signs your parent might need help:
- Bruises, which could signal they've experienced a fall or have poor balance
- Weight loss, which may indicate a poor appetite, or an inability to prepare food or go grocery shopping
- Poor hygiene and cleanliness, which may be due to depression or an inability to complete routine tasks
- Unpaid bills, which could indicate depression, issues with memory, or overwhelming but undisclosed negative financial circumstances
- Uneaten and spoiled foods in the refrigerator which may signal memory lapses or a poor appetite due to illness
- Expired or unused prescriptions, which may mean issues with memory or a refusal to comply with a physician's care plan
5 things you can do:
- Talk to your parent's physician: What are your biggest worries? Forgetfulness about them taking medication? Falls? Share your concerns with a doctor and ask for assessments to begin the process of pursuing the right type of care.
- Get involved: Running errands, preparing meals or paying bills together can give you a better sense of what's going on around the house while keeping your parent safe and healthy. It's also one way to note issues before speaking with a physician or enlisting senior care services.
- Consider home care: Begin researching home health and home care options. Whether it's weekly help around the house or daily visits to provide medical care, there are many home care options to meet your parent's immediate health and security needs.
- Tap area agencies to pitch in: In addition to home care, consider additional support options such as respite care, adult day services, local senior center programming and or Meals on Wheels deliveries.
- Make the home safe: Depending on your level of comfort with your parent's health and a physician's advice, consider adding grab bars in the bathroom, uncluttering the home and taking other steps that can keep your parent from physical harm.
If you're concerned about your Mom or Dad and wonder if our services could help them, we're here to talk with you. We provide personalized care so our clients can experience the highest quality of life possible.