It can be difficult to know when it’s time to get help for an elderly parent. We want to think our parents can take care of themselves and don’t want to burden us with their care. However, there comes a point when we must accept that our parents need more help than we can give them.
In this article, we will discuss the signs that it’s time to get help for an elderly parent and what you can do about it.
Mental Health Signs
You notice that your parent has changed. They’re not joking around or laughing anymore, and it worries you because they’ve never been sad like this before.
There could be possible causes such as depression/anxiety (or another mood disorder). If nothing else works, talk openly with them about how much these emotions affect their daily life; treating symptoms without addressing the root cause will just continue producing new ones down the line.
Physical Signs
You may notice your loved one has been struggling with mobility or performing daily tasks. Watch for bruising. Burns could be an indication that they are having difficulty cooking for themselves, which indicates a higher level of vulnerability than normal independence would account for.
Loss of Appetite
If you notice your loved one has lost a significant amount of weight, it could be an indication that they are not eating enough each day. A loss in appetite can also mean there is something else going wrong, such as depression or other mental health issues that may require help from qualified professionals who specialize in the needs of seniors like geriatricians.
Forgetful More Frequently
You notice that your loved one seems unsure about completing simple tasks around the house. What do you think is causing this?
It could be a variety of things such as memory loss or trouble concentrating due to mental illness, but it might also just come down to their age and experience in life so far, which has caused them not to know how long certain processes take anymore.
Decline in Hygiene
The first thing you notice when walking into their home is how messy it seems. There are dishes everywhere, mail lying around in piles and dirty clothes scattered across the floor.
You realize that your loved one doesn’t seem to be taking care of themselves anymore, which could indicate an underlying condition like dementia or depression that requires more help than just being told what they need to do each day; it is recommended you contact their doctor because this could lead toward them losing touch with reality faster.
Moods Swings
You notice a major change in your loved one’s personality. They are now more irritable and emotional, which affects their ability to connect with others around them.
Mood swings can be hard on anyone so do your research and find the best way to handle these difficult moments if they arise.
Be Open to Help
You know that your aging parent needs some help, but you’re not sure who or where to start. It can be hard when it feels like everyone just has their own opinion on how things should go — especially if they are not family.
The first step toward giving them the support they deserve starts with talking directly and honestly about what’s happening at home so there won’t come a time when someone says, “I didn’t realize.”
Instead, we need to strive for, “How can we help you?”
It’s important to ask your aging parent how they are doing and if there is anything that could be done. This will let them know that someone cares about their well-being as well as make sure everything goes according to plan.
The next step could be entering an assisted living environment that helps your loved one begin their next chapter with peace of mind, comfort and freedom.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know when it’s time to get help for an elderly parent, but don’t be scared. There are plenty of resources available and you are not alone. By reaching out for help, you can ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.
All Seasons Senior Living is focused on quality care and dedicated to excellence by delivering all the comforts that come with being home. Contact us today to get started.
