10 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

Aging is a slow process, so sometimes it can be hard to recognize when your elderly parent needs help. Often, the signs are subtle and can be easily overlooked. 

As many children have found, you can't always count on your parent to tell you when they need extra support. To keep them safe and help them maintain their independence as they age, it's important to keep an eye out for these 10 signs your elderly parent needs help.

Changes in Personal Hygiene

Hygiene changes are often the first sign that an elderly parent needs extra help. Infrequent bathing, wearing dirty clothes, and not brushing their teeth could be a sign they are struggling with self-care. 

There are many reasons why this change can happen. It could be due to physical limitations, memory issues, or depression. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to take note and see if your parent needs extra support. 

Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant weight loss can indicate underlying health issues, difficulty preparing meals, or a lack of appetite. If your parent is not eating properly, it can have serious consequences for their health. 

Many seniors find themselves less interested in food as they age. They may even forget to eat unless you remind them. This can be very dangerous. That’s why one of the most important services that Visiting Angels provides is meal preparation. We help ensure that your loved ones are eating balanced, nutritious meals so they can maintain their health and strength as they age. 

Increased Forgetfulness

Occasional forgetfulness is normal. We all have senior moments every now and then, right? But it's important to watch for significant or frequent memory challenges because they can signify a bigger problem.

Forgetting to take medications, missing appointments, or repeating the same questions, can be a sign of cognitive decline or dementia. They can put your parent and others at risk, so it’s important to keep an eye out for this. 

Difficulty Managing Finances

Struggling to pay bills on time, balancing a checkbook, or handling financial transactions can indicate cognitive decline. Look out for piles of unopened mail, late payment notices, or unusual transactions in their bank account.

If your parent is struggling to manage their finances, talk to them openly about it. You may need to step up and help, or connect them with a trusted financial advisor who can help help them. 

Mobility Issues

Difficulty walking, frequent falls, or trouble getting up from a seated position can indicate physical limitations. Assess their home for potential hazards and consider mobility aids or home modifications to improve safety.

If they need ongoing mobility support, it’s probably time to call Visiting Angels. Our experienced caregivers can help your parents age safely at home by providing mobility assistance, transportation help, medication reminders and so much more.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Many seniors experience changes in their mood or behavior as they age. However, noticeable or significant changes can be a sign that they are struggling. If your parent suddenly seems more suspicious, secretive, angry, or withdrawn than usual, you may need to reach out for help. 

Neglecting Household Responsibilities

A decline in housekeeping, such as a dirty home, piles of laundry, or spoiled food in the refrigerator, can indicate that your parent is having difficulty managing daily tasks. This could be due to physical limitations, cognitive decline, or a lack of motivation.

Whatever the cause, it’s important to connect your loved one with the extra support they need. Visiting Angels can provide light housekeeping as a part of their in-home care service. 

Poor Medication Management

Taking medication as prescribed is incredibly important for your elderly parent’s health and wellness. If they are missing doses, taking incorrect amounts, or confused about medication schedules, it can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening. 

If your parent needs help managing their medications, there are many things you can do. Consider setting up a pill organizer or using a medication reminder service. There are timed-release medication dispensers available. If you work with Visiting Angels, our team can also provide medication reminders. 

Unexplained Bruises or Injuries

One of the biggest risks that elderly parents face is falling. Frequent bruises, cuts, or other injuries can be a sign of falls or accidents. Sometimes, it's the little things like area rugs that can become the biggest hazards. Make sure that you carefully evaluate their living environment and remove any unnecessary hazards in order to prevent further injuries.

If you have removed all of the obstacles and dangers in the home and your parent is still having a hard time, it’s time to get extra assistance. Contact us today for a free in-home health consultation to find out how we can support your elderly parents and keep them safe. 

Difficulty with Communication

If you have noticed that your parent is struggling to follow conversations, repeating themselves, or having a hard time finding the right words, it may indicate that your elderly parent needs help. They may be experiencing cognitive decline or hearing problems. Ensure they have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to address any underlying issues.

Heartfelt Highlights

Now that you know the 10 signs that your elderly parent needs help, you're better equipped to help your parents age safely. If you can tell they need extra support, contact us today for a free in-home assessment. We can provide essential in-home care for your aging parents, assisting with medication reminders, mobility assistance, and other essential needs.

Call us today to find out how we can help you! We are ready to serve seniors in Athol, Priest River, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Hauser, Harrison, Hayden, Hayden Lake, Post Falls, Moscow & more. 

It is best to have all the facts before making a decision about your older loved one’s care. At Visiting Angels, we offer complimentary care evaluations, wherein we can explain the services we are able to offer. During these free, no-obligation care consultations, seniors and their families can ask questions, discuss costs, and get a better idea of what a Visiting Angels care plan would look like in practice. If you are interested in scheduling a care consultation with our team, call our office at 208-415-1000 or use our online contact form to get in touch. We look forward to meeting you and your family!