5 Signs that Your Elderly Parent Needs Help
There are several signs that an elderly parent needs help. Some of them are quite obvious, but many are less so. Sometimes you may feel that the signs are not enough to warrant taking action, and it’s better to take a “wait and see” approach. The more often you visit your parents, the more likely you will notice signs that they need some assistance. Exploring the situation in this way can help both of you and enable you to get an accurate picture of their situation.
Frequent falls or accidents.
Old age brings mobility problems, and these, along with memory problems, can be hard to deal with. This is where the situation becomes dangerous. As your parent’s mobility decreases, they fall more often, and the injuries become more serious. A broken arm can heal. A debilitating hip fracture cannot. Also, when an elderly parent falls or has an accident, the most likely cause is declining eyesight. But that decline can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, which would mean the odds of future falls or accidents are even greater. Now, this is where New Horizon Counseling center comes in handy. This is a community service center that helps out the elderly to stay active and vibrant during the difficult times they are facing by taking good care of them.
Worsening memory loss or confusion
When a parent starts forgetting things, it is easy to assume that they are just getting old. But there are other signs that an elderly parent needs help. Your loved one may become confused about time and place and the people around them or unable to remember things that happened just minutes ago. They may not be able to recognize friends and family.
Staying by themselves becomes a struggle.
One can help an elderly parent who is struggling with staying by themselves. They begin making excuses or asking to leave early when one visits them. It could be that they have become less confident about staying by themselves for longer periods. And, telling them that you worry about them will only make them feel worse. Elderly people who live alone have a higher risk of developing depression than those who live with other people or in assisted living facilities. They are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses that affect cognitive function and memory. New Horizon Counseling Center offers activities like; educational workshops, art music, exercises, and other beneficial activities that keep them preoccupied.
Trouble with money management
Older people, in general, have trouble with money management. Some of them who have it easy financially have trouble because they aren’t sure how much of their income to spend and how much to save, and how to invest it. Others are decent financial managers but mismanage their affairs because they can’t keep track of every bank account, credit card and insurance policy.
Being unhygienic
When you see your elderly parent’s hygiene has slipped, it is time to intervene. They are not necessarily in danger; basic hygiene is a sign of independence. But it is always a good idea to help someone who might need it! One sign of this slipping might be a new or sudden aversion to bathing. Some elderly people, particularly women, find it hard to bathe at home.
Suppose you notice any of these signs in a parent or other elderly relative; it’s important to talk to them about your concerns and seek help from others if necessary to ensure their safety and comfort. It’s often easier said than done, but the sooner you can talk about it, the easier it will be for everyone involved. And, if necessary, one can seek help in a facility like New Horizon, a no-cost program and where one can be assured that the elderly parent is well cared for. However, one should be 60 years of age or older and a resident of Nassau County to receive services.
