Know the Signs of Aging Parents Having Trouble at Home

Posted: 2/22/2018 10:41 AM by Interim HealthCare

As your parents age it is important to be alert to signs that they may be having trouble on their own at home. With family caregivers becoming more common it is important to know what to look for in your loved one’s behavior and it is important to know when to switch to professional home care giving. Below are some behaviors to lookout for to know if professional caregiving is need for your senior loved ones.

Personal Care and Home Maintenance

Are your older parents still able to care for themselves? If you notice that their attention to their personal care and/or home is not what it used to be, it could be a sign of depression, dementia or other health concerns.

Rapid Memory Loss

Forgetting things occasionally is a normal part of life. However, if you notice memory changes that involve forgetting common words or getting lost in familiar neighborhoods, schedule a visit with their health care provider to evaluate your parent.

Staying Safe at Home

If you feel that your aging parent is unsafe at home, it is time to call for professional help. These signs include inability to move around safely, difficultly reading medication labels, and unable to feed, bath or simple take care of themselves.

Weight Loss

Have you noticed your parent’s have lost weight? They could be having problems cooking, have lost some of their sense of taste or smell or have another condition such as depression or cancer. If you are concerned about a sudden, unintentional weight loss, schedule a visit with their health care provider to evaluate your parent.

Maintaining Good Spirits

Do your parents seem to have big mood swings? Have you noticed a change in their outlook or interest in their favorite activities? Any changes in their feelings could be a sign of depression, which is treatable at any age.

If you have concerns about your aging parents, talk to them and share your thoughts. It is also good to encourage senior parents to schedule regular checkups with their doctor. Family member caregivers may also want to consider home care to assist their parents with daily tasks.

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