Page 13 - Healthcare News August 2021

Time to Seek Help
Eight Signs Your Aging Parents Might Need Home Care By VISITING ANGELS
When your aging parents are incapable of safe- ly caring for themselves, it can be a troubling situation. The couple who used to take care of you can no longer provide for their own well-being or each other. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
But what about your parents’ feelings? Older couples who have lived independently — and supported one another over decades — may be reluctant to admit they desperately need help. Maybe it’s time your parents benefit from advanced senior care to safely age in place in the comfort of their own home.
Providing support for spouses who are showing signs they need home-care assistance is crucial. Without
this personal care, they may be prone to household accidents and mishaps such as serious falls or medication mismanagement.
The following eight signs can indicate when older adults are struggling to care for themselves or their spouses effectively.
1. Being unsteady on their feet or falling. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of trauma-related hospital admissions among seniors. If either of
your parents has balancing or walking issues or has experienced a fall, they may benefit from a fall- prevention program, which can help you identify risk factors in your parents’ home and take steps to reduce the risks of suffering a fall.
2. Cuts and bruises without a cause. Have you noticed your parents with new cuts or bruises, but they can’t explain how the marks happened? This could point toward cognitive decline or a medical condition that can lead to increased frailty and injury.
3. Cognitive and behavioral changes. A serious decline in memory and cognition — such as disorientation and confusion — can be a form of dementia and not normal aging. Paranoia and increased anger may be additional signs of personality and behavioral changes.
4. Loneliness and isolation. Senior loneliness can have a serious impact on your parents’ physical and mental health. Learn how to recognize the signs of senior loneliness, and check in on your parents to determine if they could use extra support.
5. Financial difficulty. Are your senior parents struggling to pay their bills on time and spending more than they can afford? Some older adults may find it difficult to stay on top of finances and fall behind on payments, while others may begin to have trouble balancing their checkbooks.
6. Worsening hygiene and unkempt living space.
A decline in hygiene and appearance, such as dirty clothing, unkempt hair, or body odor, can indicate your parents can’t care for themselves properly. Examine if
your parents’ living space is increasingly dirty or falling into disrepair.
7. Transportation problems. Check if your parents can get around town easily. If they’re getting lost more frequently or their driving appears unsafe, consider finding alternative transportation solutions. Missing appointments and running out of essentials, such as food or cleaning supplies, can also indicate transportation issues.
8. Worsening medical conditions and trouble following medical advice. Certain health conditions may require your parents to follow special diets, refrain from certain activities, or take multiple medications each day. If you notice your parents are incapable or unwilling to follow medical professional advice, they may require greater care. Unintentional weight gain
or weight loss can also be a sign your loved one needs help. n
If you’re concerned your senior parents cannot safely care for themselves and each other, consider a Visit- ing Angels in-home care specialist. Our care coordi- nators are available to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free home-care consultation; (413) 733- 6900; www.visitingangels.com/westspringfield/home
America's Choice in Home Care®
Visiting Angels provides essential senior homecare, allowing your loved one to remain where they are the most comfortable...in their own home.
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VisitingAngels.com/WestSpringfield
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®2021 Visiting Angels is a registered trademark of Living Assistance Services, Inc.
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413.733.6900
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