It is difficult to accept that a senior adult in your life is no longer able to perform the same tasks they once could on their own. You may have started noticing small signs that have raised concerns. At first, you may have even turned a blind eye, but when those signs become more frequent and more serious, it is time to pay attention and ask for help. Getting assistance for your loved one can help keep them safer, healthier, and living at home longer. It may be time for senior homecare.
Here are some signs that it may be time to consider home care assistance for a senior in your life.
1. Piles of Unopened Mail
Most people open their mail every day. Traditionally, this is a way of connecting with friends and family members’ over long distances and staying on top of appointments and bills. If your aging parent has started letting their mail pile up, especially bills and letters from friends, this should be a red flag that something is wrong.
2. Spoiled Food in House
Everyone is guilty of letting food spoil in the fridge from time to time. However, if you go to a loved ones’ home and notice that most of the food or beverages have long-since expired, it may be a sign that their memory or eyesight is worsening. Having expired food in the house can be major health risk to seniors. They may not realize they are consuming spoiled food or may not be able to read the expiration labels.
3. Medications Not Being Taken
Your mother calls complaining that she has not been feeling well lately. You decide to make a trip to check on her, only to discover she has not taken any of her medications since your last visit. And, that visit was 2 weeks ago! She argues that she has been taking them every day, but you know the truth. The pill bottle is still full and right where you left it. Forgetting to take medications can be dangerous to the health of your aging parents. This is especially so if they suffer from chronic health conditions.
4. Missed Doctors’ Appointments
Several missed appointments should raise concern regarding the safety and cognitive health of the senior. If your loved one is reminded at the beginning of the week about the appointment, and it is marked on their calendar, the appointment should not slip their memory. Missed doctor’s appointments not only jeopardize their health, but forgetting them can be a sign of early dementia. It may also be a signal that other important things are being forgotten as well.
5. Unpleasant Body Odor
If your parent or loved one is not properly attending to their personal hygiene and cleanliness, it may be a sign that they need some extra assistance. Worsening mobility, strength and memory can often lead elderly adults to neglect their appearance and personal health. Home health aides are perfect for elderly care in these instances. The aide can help with grooming, dressing and keeping the home tidy.
It is important to understand that just because your aging loved one needs a little extra help on a daily basis does not mean they are ready for a nursing home. Most seniors simply need a little help because their mobility is becoming more limited. Furthermore, their vision may be worsening, or their memory may be growing less sharp. Hiring home care assistance is the best way to ensure the health and safety of your loved one as they age. For more information about the time for senior homecare for your aging loved one, contact us.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Morris County
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Morris County that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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