subject: How To Tell If Your Ageing Parent Or Elder Needs Support [print this page] Does My Ageing Mother or father or Elder Need Assistance?
Many people probably know about somebody that has being imposed into the role of a care provider or an older relative. And as individuals who have had to take on this role can certainly agree this shift is a huge move.
Even so, how will we have the ability to better ourselves for this position? Exactly how should we make ourselves more enthusiastic? First of all, we could watch closely our family member to see if we can pick up on any signs which will determine whether they need assistance or not.
There is a very small chance that our aging parents or elders will inform us that they require help. This could be for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they aren't actually aware that they need some help. It could also be that their desire to remain self-sufficient is so strong that they will not ask for assistance. Regardless of what the case might be, listed here are a list of signs that will notify you on whether your family member will need help or not.
1. Significant difference in the way the house is looked after:
Has your loved one changed the way that they manage the house? This change could possibly be going on for a number of reasons, but it is important to raise the level of awareness if you see this happening.
2. Financial circumstances:
Are any bills being surpassed? Can you notice any problems with regards to the bank accounts?
3. Losing Weight
Do they look like they have shed lots of weight? Could it be because your aging parent or loved one can not cook or shop by themselves? Have you seen things such as spoilt food or lack of food in their house?
4. Burns & Bruises:
Has your parent got any odd marks or bruises on them? This can be a sign that they have fallen over at some point or that they are finding it challenging to get around their home. Any burns may suggest that your elders may have difficulties cooking food.
5. Terrible Hygiene:
Have you seen any changes such as in the washing and dressing habits of your family member? Have they been wearing the exact same clothes or are they wearing items that are a little abnormal?
6. Moving from place to place:
Does your aging parent have issues moving from one room to the other or moving the kitchen? Are they able to perform day to day tasks?
7. Forgetfulness:
Does your aging parent keep an eye on all their appointment's at the Doctors or Healthcare facility? Are your elders forgetting things such as returning calls, what trash day is, are they repeatedly losing things, can't remember names of familiar people or objects, etc?
8. Frustrated:
Does your parent or elder seem sad or withdrawn more than usual? Have you witnessed them not being as productive?
9. Abuse;
Is your parent more susceptible or irritable than normal? Do you notice sudden verbal or physical reactions?
10. Physical Signs:
Have you detected that the car has hits and scratches or that there are stains in the rug from spills? Do you smell an odor in the home (which could be an indication of incontinence)? Are there stacks of unopened mail, unfilled prescriptions or is the grass growing very high?
Clearly this list is a very long list of indications that may determine whether or not your loved one needs support. But, observing a variety of many of these signs could help you be a little more positive. This will assist in aiding both you and your aging parent or elder come up with a plan of action that can help make the transition to home care (if required) less stressful.
