When talking with an aging parent, it can often be hard to know when your help is needed. Your parent may appear stoic and pretend that everything is fine – this makes it even harder to know the truth when speaking to them from a distance. In fact, they may only ask for help when help is too late. For parents, it can be very difficult for them to ask for assistance when they have been the one assisting you through life. Understanding that this is a vulnerable situation for your parents can help you identify red flags which demonstrate an aging parent may need help at home. Some of the most common warning signs of this circumstance are listed below.
Your parent has difficulty carrying out daily routine tasks.
When an individual ages, routine tasks such as showering, bathing, and dressing can become more difficult each day. As motor skills begin to weaken, personal hygiene becomes more of a chore for the elderly. Recognizing when a parent does not appear to maintain proper grooming can demonstrate that they may need help at home.
Your parent has noticeable physical changes through function or appearance.
Another common sign that an aging parent may need help at home can be noticeable physical changes. These changes can manifest by experiencing drastic weight loss, sleeping through the day, or not maintaining proper hygiene. You may notice that they have not showered or bathed by noticing body odor or greasy hair. These are common signs that your parent has had difficulty maintaining a regular lifestyle.
Your parent’s house is cluttered and dirty, and the yard is not taken care of.
When it is difficult enough for an elderly person to maintain their physical appearance, there will be other parts of their life that will also not receive the same amount of upkeep. It may be too difficult for your parent to mow the lawn or water the flowers. It may even be too difficult for household chores to be completed such as washing dishes or vacuuming. Understanding that these signals can demonstrate a need for assistance can be crucial in giving the help that may be required.
Your parent has shown noticeable mood changes.
When a parent begins recognizing that they cannot do all the basic things that were once simple to them, it may take an emotional toll on them. These thoughts can cause a lack of drive, a loss of interest in hobbies they once loved, and an increase in irritability. If you notice that your parent seems more irritable or less motivated, it may be an important time to reach out for assistance.
Your parent is exhibiting warning signs that they might be developing a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- While a proper diagnosis is critical in confirming when a parent develops a cognitive impairment, it is still important to be on the lookout for signals of these diseases. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Forgetfulness which can include forgetting to take medications or incorrect dosages
- Memory lapses
- Increased confusion
- Consistently making poor judgment decisions
- Difficulty performing routine tasks
- Frequently getting lost or frequently misplacing possessions
- Inability to communicate clearly by repeating things or by forgetting to finish sentences
- Inability to remember names of familiar people or objects
Your parent has bruises, marks, or wounds on their body.
Bruises, marks, and wounds can develop when your parent has had difficulty remaining mobile. These wounds can occur when they are simply walking around their house or even outside of their home. Understanding that this may mean that they are not able to walk from place to place easily is another indication that they might need help at home.
What do I do if I notice these warning signs with my parent?
Having a conversation with your parent on this matter is crucial to getting them the help that they need. For some situations, the fix may be as simple as hiring lawn care service or other services that help take care of more difficult chores. A parent may even simply need a new glasses prescription. However, there may be times when more intervention is necessary. Understanding the desires of your parent and working with local resources is very important to getting the best help possible for your circumstances. There are various levels of care possible with little intervention to daily check-ins if desired. By working together with your parent and local resources, the correct decision will surely be made.
What would a visit look like with Aspire Home Health & Hospice?
During the first visit, either a nurse or therapist will conduct an assessment with the patient and develop a professional opinion about the circumstances which have affected the patient. After this thorough assessment is conducted, the nurse or therapist often teaches different methods to the patient to help assist in their journey to heal and give the tools available that will help manage their health. If more intervention is necessary, care such as home health or hospice may be recommended. Home health and Hospice are 100% covered by traditional Medicaid, Medicare, and many other insurance plans for those who qualify. These in-home caregiver services in Salt Lake City are made available through the social security system. Aspire Home Health will also take care of all the Medicare billing for in-home caregivers.
With these thoughts in mind, Aspire Home Health & Hospice hopes to give you an added sense of ability to assist the wants and needs your loved one may face during a time of uncertainty. If you wish to learn more about our services, Aspire Home Health & Hospice provides more information about our treatment and the process to admit a loved one to our services. At Aspire Home Health and Hospice, you can rest assured that the needs you or a loved one have will be fulfilled to an exceptional standard, with an unwavering commitment towards mastering the benefits of these services.
Patient Care Advocates are standing by to hear your circumstances and will guide you towards the proper care of treatment. They can be reached by calling 801-396-5735.
