Caring for an aging loved one gives you the opportunity to check in on a regular basis and watch for signs of potential health concerns. When you visit your parent, watch out for the following things that might indicate an issue with his or her physical, emotional, or mental wellbeing.
1. Poor Hygiene
As people get older, they may start having difficulty caring for themselves. Some seniors develop mobility issues that make bathing difficult, while others experience cognitive decline and become forgetful about brushing their teeth regularly. If you notice any issues with your loved one’s personal hygiene, you can offer assistance with these tasks.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Reston Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Changes in Mood
Seniors face a high risk of depression, especially if they’re alone most of the time. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can also cause mood changes, such as increased irritability. Schedule a doctor’s appointment if your parent shows signs of depression, such as losing interest in favorite activities or having low energy.
3. Disorganized or Dirty Home
Older adults sometimes have difficulty maintaining a clean and organized home due to physical or mental changes. When you visit your parent, take note if the home seems cluttered or messy. Look for dishes piled up in the sink, floors that haven’t been swept, or other indications your parent is having a difficult time taking care of household tasks. You can offer assistance with simple chores or hire a professional caregiver to help your parent out.
Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
4. Physical Changes
Keep an eye out for physical changes when you care for your parent, since these could be signs of an underlying health condition or cognitive decline. For example, unexplained weight loss could result from forgetting to eat regularly or having an undiagnosed medical condition. You should also look for other physical changes, such as increased frailty or difficulty moving around, and schedule a doctor’s appointment if needed.
5. Concentration Issues
Cognitive decline can cause seniors to become confused every now and then or have difficulty focusing when someone is talking to them. While visiting your parent, be alert for signs of cognitive issues so you can make sure he or she gets help. Difficulty following conversations can also be caused by hearing loss, which is common among older adults.
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 senior home care Reston families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call us today to learn more about our premier in-home care.
