While you might always view your own parents as the people they were when you were growing up, at a certain age, most people need a little more help in their lives than they did when they were in their prime. But as the child of aging parents, it can often be hard to recognize when help is necessary, especially if it’s something that your parents might be embarrassed or closed off about.
So to help you be aware of whatever situation is going on with your elderly parent, here are three signs that your parent may need more care at home.
Signs Of Disarray or Disrepair In The Home
If you live close enough to your parents to visit their home frequently, you should spend some time surveying the property to make sure that everything seems to be in order. Oftentimes, one of the first signs that an aging person is having trouble taking care of things is that their home falls into disarray or disrepair.
Some of the signs that you should be on the lookout for, according to Mike Campbell, a contributor to AgingCare.com, are an overgrown lawn, messes that don’t get cleaned up well or at all, dents in any vehicles, spoiled food, or unopened mail. If you do notice these things, speak with your parents about what’s going on and why these things are happening.
They Look Unkempt In Their Appearance
Another giveaway that your elderly parents might be needing some additional help or care is if he or she has begun to look unkempt in their appearance.
When things get to be too much for someone to handle, it’s often their care for their physical appearance that is one of the first things to be sacrificed. Knowing this, Heidi Godman, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, shares that if you’ve noticed that your parents have been forgetting to bathe regularly, get their hair cut, or change out of dirty clothes, they might be needing someone around who can help them with these tasks.
More Forgetfulness Than Normal
As people age, it’s normal and natural to forget some things. However, if your parents’ forgetfulness is interfering with their ability to function safely in their life, it’s likely time to bring in some extra help.
According to Paula Spencer Scott, a contributor to Caring.com, some of the biggest signs that your parent is exhibiting more forgetfulness than normal will be them forgetting to do things that are very important tasks, like paying their bills or taking any necessary medications, as well as just forgetting how to effectively perform certain tasks for their everyday life.
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs being exhibited by your aging parents, consider if getting them additional in-home help could improve their lives and their safety.
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