Visits to elderly parents during Christmas are joyous occasions—but they can also be eye-opening to the true state of their physical and cognitive well-being. Adult children are urged to be vigilant for signs that their aging parents may need a helping hand, like quality home care.
Signs of decline manifest differently from senior to senior. Dad may have always been messy, making it no surprise to see laundry piled up. But if he’s proven to be tidy, unwashed dishes in the sink may point to a larger problem, like dementia. Watch for more signs, like these:
1. Unmaintained Home
While the house may be decked with holly, the rest of it may be poorly maintained. Odors on the upholstered furniture, for instance, may be a sign of unmanaged urinary incontinence. Heaps of unwashed laundry suggest the parent has forgotten how to do laundry.
A few instances of dirty dishes in the sink may not be cause for worry. But when the trash is rarely taken out, the mail accumulates or other signs of an unmaintained home appear frequently, it should prompt adult children to take their parents to a doctor for an evaluation.
2. Weight Changes
If Mom or Dad feasts on Christmas ham during dinner, it’s a good sign of a healthy appetite. But when aging parents unintentionally shed or gain a significant amount of weight, it may mean health issues are interfering with their ability to cook, shop for groceries, or eat.
Older people experiencing dementia, for instance, may forget how to operate a stove to prepare meals. Or arthritis in the hands may prevent them from using cooking tools. Parkinson’s disease and mobility issues can make daily food preparation a painful ordeal.
3. A Health Diagnosis
Heart failure, diabetes, and stroke are serious illnesses. When a parent has been diagnosed with a health condition, they may need extra help managing it. Whether they are newly diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or a respiratory condition, like COPD, it’s time to consider home care.
A caregiver can provide the senior with safe transportation and escort to a physical therapist’s office or to a speech therapist when recovering from a stroke. Home care is also a valuable source of support when a parent is recovering from surgery, or a hospital stay.
4. Medication Noncompliance
Seniors are often prescribed medications, with some taking five drugs on a regular basis. But when Mom or Dad show signs of medication noncompliance, like missing doses or taking the wrong pills, adult children should step in. It’s vital that the elderly take their medications as directed.
Blood thinners, for instance, can be life-threatening when incorrectly taken, with blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks being dangerous outcomes. Family members should be alert when finding expired pills or an out-of-date pill organizer or the parent fails to consistently refill necessary prescriptions.
5. Lack of Hygiene
The holidays are time to spruce up the home and oneself. But if aging parents show signs of self-neglect, like poor hygiene, an at-home caregiver should be considered. Neglecting to bathe or wash after toileting can lead to health issues, like urinary tract infections or skin breakdown.
Some signs of poor hygiene are less obvious, like toenail clipping. If the elderly parent doesn’t trim their toenails, they may no longer be physically able to. When body odor, bad breath, and dirty clothes become the norm, it’s time to engage a caregiver who can help with hygiene tasks.
6. Mismanaged Finances
Parents who give sizeable donations during the holiday season may be victims of elder fraud. When seniors leave bills unpaid, bounce checks, or otherwise mismanage money, adult children should take a closer look. Money is a sensitive topic, and parents may not be forthcoming about needing help.
If memory loss or susceptibility to holiday scams become an issue, it’s necessary to protect them from financial abuse. A financial power of attorney is recommended. This trusted individual is assigned to manage the senior’s financial affairs, from paying bills to protecting them against exploitation.
7. Loss of Interest in Activities
When aging parents no longer look forward to Christmas gatherings or other activities they once enjoyed, it could be due to any of multiple reasons. Seniors may fear falling when traveling to a loved one’s home or are no longer able to follow along with conversations.
Whether their isolation is due to having fallen before or simply age-related hearing loss, it’s important to engage them. Isolation is dangerous in that it’s a precursor to severe conditions, like dementia, depression, and high blood pressure. Oftentimes, a companion caregiver can support and uplift them.
Families who see the abovementioned signs of decline during holiday visits should consider enlisting quality support from Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a reputable senior home care agency focused on enhancing the daily lives and independence of the aging adults we are privileged to serve.
In-home care services are non-medical in nature yet comprehensive. We assist seniors with personal hygiene tasks, from bathing to toileting, ensuring they remain clean and look and feel their best for holiday gatherings. Included are mobility and transfer assistance to help them get around safely.
Professional caregivers shop for fresh groceries to keep the senior’s fridge and pantry stocked with healthy foods. We also prepare balanced meals in accordance with their dietary restrictions. Timely medication reminders are given to ensure medication compliance and keep them healthy.
We’re also pleasant companions who dispel loneliness and isolation with enriching games, stimulating conversations, outings, and leisure activities. Your aging parents’ holistic health is our priority. Plus, our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to offer maximum peace of mind.
Seniors who show signs of needing compassionate elder care find it at Assisting Hands Home Care in Palm Bay, Barefoot Bay, Melbourne, Rockledge, Viera and the surrounding areas throughout all of Brevard County, Florida. We are dedicated to improving the lives of the elderly all year long. Call us at (321) 455-5778 to schedule a free in-home consult today and learn how we can fulfill your aging loved one’s care needs.
