Do you suspect that your elderly parent needs help, but they won’t admit it? Older adults can find it hard to admit that they need help as it is ingrained in us to tie autonomy to our sense of self-worth. However, getting the assistance you need when you need it can improve the quality of life for older adults and enable them to live a more fulfilling retirement life. In this article, we share with you some signs to watch out for.
The House Is Cluttered and Bills Are Unpaid
Of course, if your elderly parent has never been the tidiest, this may not come off as a warning sign. But if your parent has always been fastidious about keeping the house clean and suddenly the whole place is a mess, this is one of the biggest warning signs that they need help. In addition, if they used to be a stickler for paying bills on time but the number of unpaid bills is mounting up, this is another sign for concern.
Their Personal Hygiene Is Suffering
If you drop by your elderly parent’s house once every few days and notice that they have on the same outfit, this can be a sign that they need assistance with personal care. Mobility limitations can make it challenging and even dangerous for them to get in and out of the bathroom themselves, and they may not like to admit that they need help. Neglecting personal hygiene is a sure sign that your parent can benefit from assisted living.
They Seem to Have Lost Weight
Meal planning and preparation can be tedious for the best of us, especially as we age. Older adults may find that they no longer have the same amount of time and energy to dedicate to this task and as a result, their health suffers. If you notice that your elderly parent seems to have lost weight, take a look in their fridge and assess what they have been eating. If it’s mostly unhealthy, it’s time they got some help.
They Are Unmotivated and Withdrawn
Do you find that your elderly parent is no longer able to derive enjoyment from the activities they used to enjoy doing? Have they shunned all opportunities for social contact and seem to be depressed or withdrawn? If so, never underestimate the negative effects that social isolation can have on an older adult’s life. Getting your elderly parent the help they need will boost all aspects of their well-being, including social, mental, and emotional.
They Exhibit Signs of Memory Loss
While forgetting things from time to time is not unusual for older adults, there’s a big difference between normal forgetfulness and memory loss. Forgetting the keys when going out is one thing but getting lost in a familiar environment can point toward something more serious. If you suspect that your elderly parent may be living with a memory-related condition, always seek professional help as soon as you can.
