Regular visits with your aging loved one help you maintain your bond and give you an opportunity to check on his or her wellbeing. Make sure to look for the following five things that could signify a need for additional care.
Shabby Appearance
Your loved one’s general appearance reveals multiple things about his or her overall wellbeing. For example, seniors with unkempt hair may be feeling depressed or afraid of falling in the shower. Alternatively, older adults who have lost or gained a significant amount of weight may be facing challenges with eating or experiencing an illness. If you notice changes in your loved one’s appearance, help him or her determine the cause.
Many seniors require assistance with personal hygiene tasks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of respite care. Columbus seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
Signs of Memory Loss
Your loved one may try to ignore or deny the early stages of memory loss if he or she fears losing independence. However, you may notice subtle signs of memory issues during your visit. For instance, your parent may lose track of what he or she is saying in the middle of a conversation. Always address memory issues right away, since they could pose a risk to your loved one’s safety.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Lack of a Social Life
Find out if your loved one has friends he or she sees or talks to on the phone on a regular basis. Ideally, your parent should be able to identify several different people he or she can reach out to for help. If your loved one can’t describe an active social life, arrange for a caregiver to visit regularly. A caregiver gives your parent at least one fresh face to see on a regular basis.
Poor Household Maintenance
Your loved one’s house reveals insights into how well he or she manages daily responsibilities. Watch out for signs your parent is having difficulty cleaning the house, such as mildew growing in the bathroom or filthy floors. You might also check for repairs that have been left undone or stacks of unpaid bills. All of these issues signal you need to have a frank discussion about how your loved one can benefit from having assistance around the house.
Inability to Drive
During your visit, let your loved one drive a few times with you in the passenger seat. Take note of anything alarming, such as a failure to follow traffic signs or an inability to judge distance. While no one wants to give up driving, your loved one may need an alternative way to get where he or she needs to go. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Columbus families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
