If you have an aging parent living alone, you probably worry about them constantly. What if something happens to them when they’re there alone; what if they can’t get to the phone? It’s okay to worry, but understand that there are times when you should be more concerned than others. Below are some of the telltale signs that your older parent or relative may need help, either from you or from a home health care aide.
- Falling
The worst falls could end with an injury as devastating as a hip fracture. If your older relative has suffered a fall, it’s time to reconsider how you’re dealing with difficulty walking, low energy, or vision issues. Their home may require additional safety features, especially in the bathroom. Grab bars in the bathtub and shower, shower seats, raised toilet seats, and tub cuts (giving them an open entryway that doesn’t need to be climbed over) all make it easier for seniors to move around the bathroom with ease. You may also need to consider fixes around their stairs and their bedroom.
- Suffering Driving Skills
Vision impairment and reduced motor skills can greatly increase the risk of an accident while driving. You and your older relative should come up with a plan for when they can no longer drive themselves. It can be a difficult lifestyle change to undergo, and one that has a lot to do with independence. If you’ve been talking about home health care, consider getting help from a company that focuses on maintaining their clients’ independence. The home care providers who work with senior-focused companies like Mavencare are often hired as much to accompany seniors outside of the house as provide assistance inside. That means going for walks through the park, driving out to appointments, and help with grocery shopping and other outings.
- Expired Food in the Cupboard
Many seniors struggle to admit it when they need help; according to Mavencare, though, 90% of seniors prefer to age in their own home, whatever assistance they may need. While not everyone remembers to clean out the fridge on time, keep an eye on the contents of your aging parent’s fridge and cupboard. If you begin to notice a lot of expired food or a general lack of groceries, it may be a signal that your mother struggles to the get to the grocery store, either by foot, transit, or car.
- Confusion
If you notice an older relative becoming confused or struggling to remember things, they may require additional attention. Senior home care services from Mavencare specialize in dementia-related illnesses, and may be able to help your family adjust to the coming changes. Declining memory skills and cognitive function are signs of dementia related illnesses. A health care aide can help your beloved relative remain in their own home despite their illness, and you won’t have to worry about their health or safety. Work with someone you trust and sleep easy at night knowing your parent is in good hands.