More often than not, families wait until a drastic change in their loved ones’ health before putting a plan in place for elder care. It could be a fall, broken bone, stroke, etc. To ensure our aging loved ones are kept healthy and safe, it’s important to proactively look out for these ten signs and indicators that can help you assess their situation and determine if they require additional support.

1. Changes in physical health:  Declining physical health, unexplained weight loss, difficulty with mobility or balance, chronic pain, or frequent accidents or falls.

2. Cognitive decline:  Noticeable changes in memory, confusion, difficulty with decision-making, disorientation, repetitive speech or actions, or difficulty following conversations. 

3. Neglecting personal hygiene:  Personal care, hygiene & grooming, is a common need when it comes to elderly parent care.

4. Increased dependency:  Becoming increasingly dependent on others for activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications, Fielding more calls, making more visits, staying longer at their home to ensure your loved one is safe.  This can create a hardship for the family caregiver. 

5. Social withdrawal or isolation:  A noticeable decline in social engagement, withdrawal from hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, or a lack of interest in interacting with friends or family might suggest a need for more support.

6. Erratic or forgetful behavior:  Frequent forgetfulness, missed appointments, difficulty managing finances, or problems with medication management could be signs that additional care is required.

7. Safety concerns:  Neglecting home maintenance, unexplained bruises or injuries, leaving stoves or appliances on, or forgetting to lock doors.

8. Emotional or behavioral changes:  Significant changes in mood, increased irritability, signs of depression or anxiety, or unusual behavior that is out of character for your loved one

9. Lack of proper nutrition:  Weight loss, skipped meals, spoiled food in the refrigerator, or a general decline in eating habits can be indicators that they need assistance with meal planning and preparation.

10. Caregiver burnout:  If the primary senior caregiver, whether it’s you or someone else, is experiencing extreme stress, exhaustion, or struggles to provide adequate care, it might be a sign that additional elderly care support is necessary.

Remember, these signs should be evaluated in the context of your loved one’s baseline behavior and overall health. It’s essential to communicate openly and compassionately with your aging loved one to discuss their needs and preferences regarding elder care options. Additionally, involving healthcare professionals, such as doctors or geriatric care managers, can provide valuable insights and guidance in determining the appropriate level of care, be it in home care or a move to a senior care facility.  But the sooner you notice changes, the better it is to take action and secure the care needed.  

Shawn Kelly is the owner of 2nd Family MetroWest Boston, which provides non-medical home care to local residents.  

Shawn Kelly

[email protected]

508-281-2123

2ndfamily.com/location/ma/metrowest-boston/

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