Warning signs to alert you that Dad needs help at home (Part 1)
Admitting they need help would mean they can’t take care of themselves anymore, and no one wants to lose their independence. Denial is the unrealistic hope that a problem is not really happening and will go away by itself. Admitting they need help and accepting assistance is not easy for people as they age. It represents a loss of independence. Denial plays a major role – and signs get ignored.
The burden often falls on the family to recognize the signs that an aging parent might need help with daily living tasks. It’s now on you, the caregiver (child) to take action.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your loved one has to go to assisted living or a nursing home, but they may need some extra help in their home. If they’re not willing to admit it, how do you know if your elderly parent needs home care?
Here are some warning signs to look for:
Spoiled food that doesn’t get thrown away
Missing important appointments
Unexplained bruising
Trouble getting up from a seated position
Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility
Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
Forgetfulness
Unpleasant body odor; infrequent showering and bathing
Strong smell of urine in the house
Noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care
Dirty house, extreme clutter and dirty laundry piling up
Stacks of unopened mail or an overflowing mailbox
Late payment notices, bounced checks and calls from bill collectors
Poor diet or weight loss
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Forgetting to take medications – or taking more than the prescribed dosage
Unexplained dents and scratches on a car
Diagnosis of dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s
(to be continued)
Where to turn?
Check out http://www.aginginfousa.com/all_resource_directory to find trusted home health care in Chicagoland area or contact me directly at susan.avello@aginginfousa.com. I’m here to help you in your caregiving journey.
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