Part I: Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help At Home
Mike Campbell | Updated June 9, 2020
How will you know when your elderly parents need help at home? One thing is certain: your parents aren’t likely to be the ones who tell you they need a helping hand! Admitting the need for help and accepting assistance are not easy for people as they age. The responsibility often falls on family members to recognize the signs that an aging loved one might need support with completing activities of daily living (ADLs). Seniors have a strong desire to remain independent and in control of their own lives for as long as possible. Typically, an older adult will experience a traumatic event precipitating the realization that they need assistance. Because adult children are often unable to participate in making care decisions before a crisis takes place, the added emotional stress of a sudden hospitalization or fall further complicates this process. One way to avoid this is to start regularly monitoring your parents’ physical and mental abilities and researching long-term care options. This will ensure you are prepared should your parents begin to show signs of needing help. Warning Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help at Home How do you know if it is time for help at home or an increased level of care? Look for these red flags as common indicators that a senior may need some form of assistance. Difficulty Performing Routine Activities of Daily Living Bathing
Dressing and grooming
Toileting
Continence
Transferring or moving from place to place (e.g., moving from the bed to a chair)
Eating
If you find yourself answering yes to some or all of these changes to your loved one, rest assured that Indigo Nursing has a full range of caregivers ready to handle your loved one's caregiving needs. Call today to schedule a free consultation.