Issue 24.09
As our parents get older we want to ensure that they’re taking good care of themselves and staying healthy. Sometimes our family/work responsibilities, or where we live, make it difficult to monitor how well they’re managing on their own. Oftentimes our parents won’t admit that they are struggling to handle daily responsibilities.
If you have concerns about your aging parents, there are several things you can “watch for” to help you gauge if your parents need help.
First of all, look closely at your parent’s appearance. Are their clothes clean & neat, and are they keeping up their personal hygiene? Failure to keep up with basic grooming & daily routines may indicate underlying health problems.
Next, are they having any difficulty moving around? Joint problems or muscle weakness can cause them to be unsteady on their feet & at risk of falling. Falls can cause major injuries or even death to our loved ones.
How safe is their home? Has it become more difficult for them to maintain it? Is the home cluttered? Has the yard become overgrown? Are the stairs or narrow hallways becoming difficult for them to navigate? Keep your eye out for changes that indicate problems with maintaining a home. For example, have they burned anything on the stove lately?
How is their appearance? Physically, have they lost weight? Being thin may be admired in Hollywood, but as we age losing weight can be a sign of health problems (i.e. Cancer, Heart Failure). Are they simply forgetting to eat? Or are they having trouble following recipe directions, or grasping cooking utensils? Emotionally, how do they look? Do they seem reasonably happy to you? Have they lost interest in activities or socializing with friends?
If your parents are struggling with any of the above issues, talk to them & let them know that you are concerned. Depression, dementia or physical impairments may cause any of these issues and seriously impact your parent’s ability to live alone. It may be time to discuss assistive devices, home care workers, or you might decide that it is time for a higher level of care like we provide at BeeHive Cottages. Feel free to stop by and explore the newest innovation in Senior Independent Living. Or call (435)773-7966 with any questions.