As you become older, you may notice that your parents or a close family member who has always been there for you begin to slow down. They may change their behavior, eat less, or lose the sparkle in their eyes that used to beam back at you when you were a child.
You may begin to worry for them, but you may also question whether they are truly struggling and in need of assistance.
They Tend to Forget and Wander a Lot
An increase in forgetfulness and memory loss is one of the first signs that your loved one’s health is declining. Have they started skipping their medications? Missing their appointments?
Or they are having difficulties memorizing fundamental information, such as the date or time? Memory loss is more prevalent in older persons, but it may indicate a larger medical condition such as Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
Have your loved ones begun wandering? Wandering or becoming lost is another common symptom in people with dementia.
Common signs to look out for are:
- Returning from a routine stroll or drive later than normal
- Forgetting how to reach familiar areas.
- Discussing prior commitments, such as going to work.
- Attempting or wanting to “go home” even while at home.
- Becoming restless, paced, or making repetitive movements.
It is critical to detect any underlying problems by having your loved one consult their local GP for a diagnosis.
You can then discuss what in-home care services are available to them to ensure that your loved one can stay independent while also living comfortably and safely at home.
They have Poor Personal Hygiene
Your loved ones’ appearance can give you a good indication of if they are struggling with their daily lives.
- When you last saw your loved one, did you notice any changes in their look as a result of poor personal care?
- Did you have a strong and regular bodily odor?
- Did they have unbrushed teeth?
- Was their hair unclean and unkempt?
- Were their garments clean and hole-free?
- Were they wearing weird shoes?
Your loved one’s well-kept appearance provides significant psychological benefits, including increased self-esteem and confidence. If your loved one has begun to let go, they are less likely to go outside, engage in social events, and isolate themselves from family and friends.
A caregiver and companion may be incredibly beneficial to your loved one during this tough time by helping them with their personal care needs.
If you detect a downturn in your loved one’s hygiene, take the time to sit down with them, express your worries, and suggest polite options to assist in enhancing their overall pleasure.
They Seem Demotivated to Live
We all lose motivation from time to time, especially when we are dealing with our issues. Unfortunately, feeling demotivated may become more common as we age and our energy levels fluctuate. Some elderly folks will gradually abandon their pursuits as their zest for life fades.
If your gut tells you that your loved one is struggling, here are some tell-tale symptoms to look for:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty handling normal responsibilities
- Difficulty experiencing and expressing emotions
- Difficulty planning and addressing problems
If you suspect your loved one is apathetic, contact their doctor right away to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment.
While the diagnosis may take some time, you can find new ways to be happy in the meanwhile. Help your loved one rediscover interests, passions, and activities that they once enjoyed but no longer do.
They have Become Poor Eaters
A well-balanced and nutritional diet is essential for health, regardless of age, but as people get older and their bodies change, they may begin to adjust their eating habits without even noticing it.
If you notice your loved one losing or gaining weight quickly, it may indicate:
- A lack of interest in food as a result of changing appetite
- Difficulties preparing food owing to cognitive impairment.
- Forgetting to prepare and consume meals.
- Inability to drive and go grocery shopping
While you want the best for your loved ones’ health and well-being, it can be challenging to manage your eating habits, let alone anybody else’s.
In such a case, you should find a caregiver for your loved one. Caregivers offer home care services such as meal planning and attentive food preparation. This way, you ensure that your loved one feeds as well as they should.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s weight, inform them that you can assist them in arranging home care services to ensure that they continue to consume wholesome and nutritious meals.
Their Behavior has Changed
Behavioral changes are another common indicator that your loved one requires more care at home.
If you see that they are experiencing increasing anxiety, such as repeatedly calling family members for reassurance that everything is well, it may be time to get help and investigate whether there are any underlying health issues.
Other behavioral changes to look out for include:
- Aggression
- Increased paranoia.
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Increased emotions of depression.
Sundowner’s Syndrome. This is a behavioral shift that is also an indication of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
As the sun sets, your loved one may feel more confused, stressed, or bewildered. As the night falls, your loved one’s behavior becomes increasingly unusual, and you wonder how their attitude has altered so significantly since the morning.
Although it may be difficult, it may be time to sit down with them and inquire whether they are okay. You also should consider home care alternatives to assist them with their daily activities.
To help you out, here are signs, according to Amazing Home Care, that your aging parent is struggling.
Conclusion
These are some of the things you should look out for to tell whether your loved one might need home care services. When hiring the service provider, ensure that you hire an experienced one who is empathetic and will give your loved one the comfort and assurance they need.
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