Aging is part of the cycle of life, and we naturally expect our parents to eventually show certain signs of getting older. How do we then know when to step in and offer more help…
Here are 10 signs that your parent or loved one may need help at home, whether assistance with managing daily tasks or more advanced care
- Increased forgetfulness
- Unexplained confusion
- Decline in hygiene
- Change in eating habits
- Clutter and cleanliness
- Neglected bills
- Decreased mobility
- Unexplained bruises
- Mood and behaviour changes
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
The little things add up. It’s crucial that we as adult children learn to look for these signs recognize the fact that it may time for our parents to get some help at home. By spending more time with them and examining their behaviour, we can tease out potential issues that could cause their health to deteriorate faster.
The older our parents get, the more difficult a time they’ll likely have engaging in regular activities and accomplishing daily tasks. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our older loved ones can live healthy, fulfilling lives at home, even when mobility becomes limited and mental capacity diminishes. It’s important to examine all your options, even if the parent isn’t ready to leave their home just yet. Speak with your family Doctor to discuss your concerns.