Seniors value their independence and their privacy, and the last thing they want to do is be a burden to their family and friends. But, as a result of aging, many seniors will eventually require some level of care and assistance with daily living, but they’ll find it difficult to ask for help.
If you’re concerned that your aging loved one may need more help at home, it’s best to be proactive and ease them into a lifestyle transition. Here’s a list of signs to look for and quickly assess a senior loved one’s condition, identify potential areas of concern, and make important caregiving decisions to help.
Signs a Senior Needs Help
- Hygiene. Take note of your loved one’s overall appearance, smell, and ability to dress according to the weather. Are bed linens, laundry, and bath towels clean?
- Food/Nutrition. Is the food in the refrigerator within its expiration dates? Watch your loved one’s diet to make sure they’re eating well-balanced meals and maintaining a steady weight.
- Driving. If your loved one’s vision, hearing, and/or reflexes are impaired, this increases their risk of being involved in a car accident.
- Medical condition. A recently diagnosed disease, illness, or injury can affect your senior loved one’s ability to function on a daily basis.
- Behavior. Is your loved one irritable, anxious, or depressed? Do they have difficulty remembering names, places, and current events?
- Safety. Does your senior remember to turn off appliances and extinguish cigarettes or candles? Do they keep the doors and windows locked?
- Mail. Is the mail stacking up? Do you see past due or delinquency notices?
- Finances. Is your loved one able to manage his or her personal finances? Can they pay bills and balance the checkbook?
- Medication. Is your loved one able to manage their medications properly, including dosage, frequency, and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions refilled in a timely fashion?
- Daily tasks. Are basic tasks, such as going grocery shopping and preparing meals becoming overly time-consuming or challenging for them?
After looking at these warning signs and evaluating how your loved one is managing, it may be time to take a more active role in their life if you have concerns. Trust your instincts. Start a dialogue by sharing your concerns with them in a respectful, non-threatening manner. Assure them that your intent is to understand and respect their wishes while ensuring safety and comfort.
Our CAREGivers Allow Seniors to Remain Safely at Home
Often, there are simple things you can do to assist with their daily living. You may consider hiring a home care agency, such as Home Instead, to provide assistance with daily activities a few days a week. Be sure to choose an agency that meets all state standards and that its caregivers have been thoroughly screened and appropriately trained and insured.
At Home Instead, our mission is lifting the spirits of those we serve by offering them dependable and affordable home care options. To learn more about Home Instead Senior Care or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Naples, Fort Myers, Charlotte County, or the surrounding areas today, please visit us at www.homeinsteadswfl.com.
