What if a loved one was in need of help as they aged? Do you think you would be able to recognize the signs? Here are 5 signs to look for that could mean your elderly relative needs help at home.
Lack of Hygiene and Cleanliness
A sign to look for with seniors who may need help is repeatedly wearing the same clothes. This goes beyond wearing a favorite sweatshirt. The clothes may be stained or worn out from constant wear. It could be that doing laundry or bathing have become increasingly difficult and a physical challenge. If a family member has already fallen in the bath or shower, they could have a fear of it happening again. Paying attention to these habits could help prevent something worse from happening.
Signs of Burned Food, Pots and Pans or Stove Tops
Signs of burned food or burned kitchen items could mean your loved one is forgetting things. They forget something was cooking or forgot to turn off the stove after cooking. These signs of short-term memory loss should not be ignored. The potential of a fire puts the loved one, as well as their surroundings, at greater risk for harm.
Eating Habits Have Changed
Uneaten or spoiled food in the refrigerator is a sign your elderly loved one may need help. The absence of food in the house may mean that grocery shopping or food preparation have become too much. The results can be weight loss, poor nutrition and poor health. It is important to pay attention to these signs.
- Mail and Bills are Piling Up or Unattended
Unopened or unpaid bills piling up could be a sign of memory loss and confusion. It could be that managing the mail, bills, bank accounts, and finances have become too much for your loved one. It is important to make sure you are paying attention to these issues, as they could lead to unpaid mortgages or phone bills, which make living situations even more complicated for your loved one.
House has Become Cluttered, Unkempt and Unclean
Cleaning and organizing the home may have become too physically challenging for the senior to handle. If your loved one has a history of being neat and tidy, this will become especially evident as dirt and clutter pile up. Also, a cluttered home can lead to falls or injuries in the home.
Now that you know the signs to look for, and many of these signs will go hand in hand, the goal is to keep your loved one safe. You will need to begin to work on maintaining or improving their quality of life. Talk to them about getting some in-home care. They may be hesitant to accept help, but if you notice these warning signs early enough you will be able to addresses these issues with your loved one and begin working on a solution on which everyone can agree.