subject: How To Determine If Your Ageing Parent Or Elder Needs Help [print this page] Does My Ageing Mother or father or Elder Need Assistance?
Most people most likely know about someone that has being of necessity, forced into the role of a care provider for an older relative. And as individuals who have had to take on this role can undoubtedly agree this shift is a huge move.
Even so, how will we have the capacity to better ourselves for this role? How can we be a bit more proactive? First of all, we could monitor closely our relative to see if we are able to pick up on any warning signs which will determine whether they need support or not.
It is highly unlikely that even if our relatives were unwell, that they would tell us. This might be due to a few things. Perhaps they aren't actually conscious that they need outside assistance. It may be that they would like to maintain their independence and not cause a fuss with anyone by asking for help. Whatever the case might be, we come up with a list of signs that could signal if your aging parent or elder family member may need assistance and maybe home care.
1. Changes in house keeping behaviours:
Has your loved one transformed the way that they maintain their property? If so, than this can be because of several reasons, but it is imperative to boost up your awareness if you notice this occurring.
2. Income:
Are bills not being paid punctually? Are you able to notice any problems with regards to the bank accounts?
3. Weight Loss:
Do they look like they have shed lots of weight? Might this be because your relative is not able to cook or fend for themselves? Have you seen such things as spoilt food or insufficient food in their home?
4. Burns & Bruises:
Has your parent got any unusual marks or bruises on them? This might be a sign that they have fallen over at some point or that they are finding it difficult to get around their house. Any burns may indicate that your parents might have difficulties cooking.
5. Inadequate hygiene:
Have you recognized any differences such as in the washing and dressing habits of your relative? Have they been wearing the very same clothes or are they wearing things that are a little unconventional?
6. Moving from place to place:
Does your relative fight to move from area to area? Are they able to perform routine things?
7. Forgetfulness:
Does your aging parent keep close track of all their appointment's at the Doctors or Healthcare facility? Do they remember to return telephone calls, when they have to take the bins out, are they always putting things in the wrong place, are they able to identify people?
8. Depression:
Is your family member more withdrawn than normal? Have you detected a lack of enthusiasm?
9. Bodily or Spoken Abuse:
Does you aging parent seem uncharacteristically unpredictable? Do you see sudden verbal or physical reactions?
10. Physical Warning Signs:
Have you seen any bangs on their car or peculiar spills on the carpets? Do you smell an odor in the home (that could be an indication of incontinence)? Is there any letters which have just been left there, unordered medications or is the grass growing a bit wild?
In no way is this an exhaustive list of signs that your aging parent or elder loved one may need help. But, spotting a combination of many of these signs can help you be a little more active. This will assist in aiding you and your aging parent or elder put together an action plan that will help make the transition to home care (if needed) less tense.
