in home senior care, you may have ignited a fire under your parent and caused an explosion of anger and frustration. Is it worth it to back off, pray for the best and not bring up the conversation again? If you are worried about your parent, providers of in home senior care suggest checking for these eight signs they may be in the need of attention:

1. Forgetting – not occasionally but regularly. This is more than misplacing keys or eyeglasses. Does your mom or dad forget what day it is and miss doctor’s appointments or club activities? Is your parent remembering to take their medication properly? Your mother or father may be taking their medicine but at the wrong time of day or without reading instructions. They may not be taking it with food, or taking pills with food that they need to take on an empty stomach. This is often more than forgetfulness and can cause long-term health problems.
2. Neglectfulness – not bathing or dressing in clean clothing. Does your mother or father bath or wash daily? How clean are their clothes? Are they sleeping in the clothes they wore yesterday? If brought to their attention would they recognize this or be concerned? If concerns about these behaviors continue, you may need to enlist the help of professional caregiver.
3. Housecleaning – are they ignoring their home just like their personal care? Seniors, like all individuals, require a clean and safe living environment. Those who cannot maintain a safe and cleanly living environment put themselves at risk for illness and injury.
4. Fall risk – balance issues and accidents. Has your parent’s gait changed? Are they stumbling, tripping or having more accidents? If you believe your loved one’s home is a fall risk, it is important to consider how their mobility changes may be exacerbated by the environment in which they live. If you believe your loved one’s mobility cannot be improved with a few minor changes or upgrades, it may be time to consider home care assistance.
5. Poor eating habits – not eating or eating too much. Nutrition is a key element to health at any age and is necessary for effective treatment with medications and other therapies as well. If your parent is losing weight or gaining weight, this is a red flag that they are in need of help.
6. Depression/Isolation – are they spending too much time alone? Isolation and depression can have a major impact your loved one’s quality of life, longevity and physical wellness.
7. Inactive – fall risk. Fear of walking or moving may cause your parent to become a couch potato. Numerous studies suggest that physical activity among seniors can greatly improve their quality of life and long-term health. If your loved one has resigned herself to a sedentary lifestyle due to mobility concerns or other issues, a full assessment of the situation should be done.
8. Behavior – angry. Fear of losing independence, aging or dying. If your loved one experiences behavioral changes it can be due to a number of factors. Talk to your loved one’s physician for next steps and possible alternatives. In home care may be one of many appropriate solutions to behavioral problems.

If you believe your parent is experiencing any one of these issues, this may mean in home senior care can provide an enhancement of your parent’s life. Consult with your loved one’s physician and a care specialist at your local care office today to find out more.