Aging is a natural part of life. However, it can come with a whole load of challenges for both you, as well as your aging parent. Their mental faculties could be deteriorating to where they either cannot or should not, be living on their own without some sort of help.
This could be where round-the-clock home care can assist your parent. But before we head to that, let’s learn about the signs they need senior care.
Read on!
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Frequent Falls or Balance Issues
Frequent falls or balance issues can be indicative of some other underlying medical issue such as stroke. If an elderly parent is having frequent falls or accidentally bumping into things, they should be evaluated by a medical professional right away to rule out any serious issues.
If the falls or balance problems continue, home care should be looked into to prevent any serious injuries. It should involve a qualified professional who can keep track of medication and medical appointments, as well as provide a safe and secure environment for the elderly individual.
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Worsening Chronic Health Conditions
If your elderly parent is suffering from a worsening chronic health condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, COPD, or diabetes, it’s important to identify signs that they may need 24 hour elderly care. For example, they may be forgetful, unable to communicate, incapable of making simple decisions, or in need of frequent reminders for activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming.
Additionally, they may exhibit signs of difficulty with mobility and positioning due to increased weakness or instability. Furthermore, if your elderly parent is unable to recognize health risks, adjust medications appropriately, or make sound decisions on their own, they likely require full-time care. It’s beneficial to recognize the signs of deteriorating health in your elderly parent and make the necessary changes as soon as possible.
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Missing Out Meals
If your elderly parent is missing out on meals, then it is a signal that they may need elderly care. They may be suffering from memory issues, mobility issues, or difficulty with meal preparation. They may have difficulty ordering, preparing, or managing a balanced diet; having trouble consuming enough food; or having difficulty recalling when it is time to eat.
In such cases, they will need someone to monitor their meal schedule and ensure that they are eating enough and having the right type of nutrition. A senior care worker can take care of these needs, as well as provide companionship and socialization to help them with their eating appetite.
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Difficulty With Daily Activities
Many elderly parents can live at home without assistance, but when signs of difficulty with daily activities begin to appear, home care may be needed. Difficulty with activities such as bathing, dressing, or getting to the bathroom can be dangerous and lead to falls or health complications.
If your elderly parent is having difficulty managing finances or if their hygiene has become unkempt, it may be time to consider 24-hour home care. Other indicators could include changes in behavior or cognition, as well as an increasing need for assistance with mobility.
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Frequent Wandering or Getting Lost
When an elderly parent begins to wander or gets lost frequently, it is a sign that they may need immediate round-the-clock home care. It is a common symptom of dementia or Alzheimers, which can be dangerous for the elderly parent, as they may be unaware of their surroundings.
If their elderly parent starts wandering in areas they are not familiar with, they need to be on constant vigilance and contact local law enforcement for safe return. If they are found to wander out multiple times, family members may have to investigate and look for assisted living or nursing home facilities that specialize in caring for the elderly with such medical conditions.
Other scenarios to consider would be installing GPS tracking devices on the elderly parent’s person or car. More importantly, hiring caregivers to assist with their elderly parent’s needs to help make life for the elderly parent safe and comfortable.
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Poor Medication Management
If you notice your parent continuously misses appointments with their doctor or pharmacy, it is time to step in. Other signs to look out for are if they do not take their medication at the same time every day, or if they forget to take medications or double the dosing. They may be refusing to take their medication, and if so, this is a cause for further concern.
Additionally, keeping track of their medications, refills, and other important documentation can be difficult for a senior parent, as can transporting themselves to and from the pharmacy.
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Increased Isolation or Withdrawal
Increased isolation or withdrawal can be observed in your parents behavior in social situations. They may seem disinterested in participating and are not actively involved in conversations. Other signs to watch out for are a decrease in day-to-day activities and not being able to perform necessary self-care tasks.
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Inadequate Hydration
An elderly parent who is not taking enough fluids is highly susceptible to dehydration. Signs elderly parents may need round-the-clock home care for inadequate hydration include:
- inability to recognize thirst
- decreased skin elasticity
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- confusion
They may also show a marked decrease in or complete absence of urine. Dehydration also leads to:
- muscle cramps
- sunken eyes
- dry skin
- abnormal increase in heart rate
If you notice your elderly parent displaying any of these signs, contact their healthcare provider for further assessment or evaluate the need for round-the-clock home care.
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Lack of Home Safety
An elderly person living alone is particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with a lack of home safety, such as falling or being injured in a home accident. Warning signs that your elderly parent may need in-home care include unreliable or inadequate safety features in the home such as railings in bathrooms and stairways or areas that are difficult to access.
They may also have a lack of home security such as failing to lock the windows and doors. This of which may mean that their place may be susceptible to theft.
Know When Your Parents Need Round-the-Clock Home Care
In conclusion, families must be aware of the signs that an elderly parent may need round-the-clock home care. Recognizing the signs and being prepared to provide the necessary care will help them stay comfortable and safe. If you think your elderly parent needs this assistance, be sure to contact a home care professional to discuss the various available options.
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