You may know that your elderly family member wants to age in place, but does she need more help than she has right now? And if she does, how would you know for sure?
Your Senior Is Having a Tough Time Keeping up with Regular Tasks
Regular daily tasks are those chores that everyone needs to manage in order to keep their household going. You might be noticing things like your senior’s mail piling up or her dishes staying in the sink longer than usual. In and of themselves, these tasks don’t automatically mean that your elderly family member is in an emergency situation or that she can’t continue to age in place. But they do show that your senior could use some extra help.
Her Mobility Seems to Be Changing
Mobility is also a key indicator. If your elderly family member has been able to be mobile on her own for a while, but now is having difficulty, that’s a problem. She may have health issues that need to be addressed or there may be something else going on. If she’s fallen, your senior may not necessarily let you know about that. Unfortunately, one fall increases the likelihood that she will fall again and she can seriously injure herself.
You’re Noticing Differences in Her Personal Habits
Other changes are important as well. If your elderly family member’s personal hygiene habits appear to have changed, there’s probably a reason. Many older adults find that bathing or showering is more difficult than it used to be or it’s more frightening. Putting solutions in place to make the bathroom safer can help a lot with these concerns. But it’s also possible to bring in a caregiver to help with bathing and other personal tasks.
She Tells You She Needs Help
Don’t overlook the very obvious hint of your senior telling you outright that she needs some more help. Many aging adults will wait until they truly feel at the end of their rope to begin to mention needing help. It’s a more serious request than you might realize, especially if your elderly family member mentions something off the cuff or as an aside. Take those words seriously.
It’s very possible for your elderly family member to have help and to still be able to age in place, if that’s what she or you are worried about. A caregiver can help her right there in her home, ensuring she’s comfortable and safe.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
