Thinking about hiring care for an aging parent is overwhelming. It can be difficult to watch our parents age slowly, changing from the joyful, loving caregivers we have enjoyed for most of our lives into the distracted or forgetful people we no longer understand. Knowing when to seek support will be crucial in finding the best care possible. If any of these signs are present in your parent’s life, it’s time to consider a parent care service in New York.
13 Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Parent Care Service in New York
1. Missing Obligations
Every person experiences forgetfulness. We forget to run an errand or switch the laundry to the dryer. But an adult who begins to consistently forget about or miss meetings or appointments may be exhibiting early signs of memory loss. Missing social events that would otherwise be enjoyed could be an indicator of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
If your parent’s memory still seems fully intact, then missing important events could indicate this person is having difficulty getting dressed, driving, walking, or navigating around a familiar town. All of these could indicate the need for additional support.
2. Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness can be one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s. When a parent begins to forget crucial things such as whether or not they’ve already taken a vital medication, what day it is, or how to turn off the stove, the situation can quickly escalate. Having the support of a caring person can set your parent up for success in maintaining a treatment plan and ensuring that important daily tasks are not being overlooked.
3. Confusion
Becoming angry or frustrated often or getting lost in places that should be familiar are typical results of confusion. Confusion can be all-consuming for your parent, making it difficult to recover once that initial task at hand has been shadowed by uncertainty. This can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s and warrants additional assistance to help keep your parent calm and capable.
4. Difficulty Standing From Sitting
If you’ve noticed your parent having difficulty getting up out of their favorite chair, it’s time to consider a care service. This may seem like a small symptom of stiff joints or arthritis, but when a person cannot get up or stand on their own, they could find themselves stuck for hours or days waiting for the strength to stand. There is also an increased risk of falling should your parent manage to make it to their feet.
5. Bruising or Wounds
Trouble walking, getting dressed, or maintaining personal hygiene can manifest in bruises or wounds on the aging person’s body. When these tasks become difficult, slips, falls, or accidents at home can be the cause of unexplained bumps or bruises. Your parent may brush them off as clumsiness, but it’s an important sign to take note of. Anyone who is regularly injuring themselves at home while attempting menial tasks needs personal care and support.
6. Poor Hygiene
Poor home or personal hygiene can be a symptom of a greater cognitive impairment. Maybe you’ve noticed that the trash hasn’t been emptied in days or that the refrigerator is either empty or full of expired food. Your parent may have stopped showering, shaving, or brushing their teeth.
While some of these tasks could be explained by simple forgetfulness, it could be causing bigger issues. An empty refrigerator or one full of rotting food could mean your parent has not been eating. Poor personal hygiene can lead to the risk of infection or other unpleasant problems.
7. Bathroom Accidents
Messy bathrooms, soiled pants or underwear, and unpleasant body odors are all indications that your parent is struggling to use the bathroom on their own. This situation is delicate and requires compassionate understanding and assistance to maintain your parent’s dignity and quality of life.
8. Seclusion
Isolation can be dangerous for seniors. Seclusion can have a negative impact on their health, increasing the risk of mortality. Being alone can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. If your aging parent has started to isolate, hiring care can keep the situation from worsening.
9. Depression
Many people experience increased depression as they age, especially if their spouse has passed away or they are otherwise living in solitude. A parent care service can help relieve depression by providing support and companionship, not to mention peace of mind for you.
Extreme moodiness can also be a sign of depression. Mood swings may indicate that your parent is at the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s or depression and should not be ignored. Having assistance can be key in monitoring symptoms and recommending doctor’s visits if the moodiness changes or gets worse.
10. Decline in Housekeeping
If your parent has always kept a tidy home, it can be easy to identify when the sink becomes uncharacteristically full of dishes or piles of mail sit unopened near the entryway. Sometimes this can be a sign of depression or listlessness, or perhaps they are having trouble managing the housework and daily tasks. Providing care for your parent gives them additional assistance to stay on top of chores that have become difficult or burdensome.
If your parent has never particularly kept a clean home, it’s important to take note of what is considered status quo for them and determine if the situation is declining. Dirty dishes can quickly become filled with mold. Uncleaned bathrooms can be covered in germs. Unwashed clothes can give off unpleasant odors. Pay attention to changes that seem out of character for your parent so you can identify when they will benefit from assistance.
11. Financial Trouble
Signs of financial trouble can be hard to recognize if you are not involved in your parent’s finances. One of the most common issues to befall seniors, money troubles can quickly turn ugly. Bounced checks and late payment notices can be a sign of forgetfulness.
12. Inability to Manage Medication
Most older adults nationwide fill between 9-13 prescriptions annually. With this information, it isn’t surprising that medications can become difficult to manage. Taking too much of one and not enough of another or skipping days altogether can result in a decline of overall health. A care service can help manage your parent’s prescriptions and make sure they are taking the dosage recommended by their doctor.
13. Car Accidents
Driving can be particularly challenging for aging parents. It is a skill that becomes second nature to all of us who drive regularly. But oftentimes, seniors who continue driving when it is not medically advisable put themselves and others on the road at risk of accident or injury. Losing the right to drive can be devastating, but if dents or scratches begin appearing on your parent’s car, it may be time for additional assistance to keep them safe.
It’s not an easy task to decide to hire care for an aging parent. Seeking help at the first signs of distress is imperative in making sure you have all of the necessary information to find the right fit. Call or visit Parent Care Home Care today and let us help make this next part of the journey a little smoother. Surrounding your parents with all of the care and support they need will help them age gracefully.