VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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SIGNS YOUR PARENTS or SENIOR LOVED ONES NEED HELP AT HOME

Home Care for Your Parents

Do you feel that the stress of taking care of your parents is taking its toll on you? Are you unable to function at home or at the office? If you had to rearrange your work schedule once too often, or miss your child’s birthday party to address an issue related to Mom’s or Dad’s aging, perhaps it’s time to have a “care”-versation.

While your parents live alone, you may have noticed they need help with their daily routine, have old food in the fridge, can’t clean up after themselves, may have slipped in the shower or fallen recently. These are signs that maybe it’s time to talk openly and honestly with your parents about their situation before a medical emergency or healthcare crisis necessitates tough decisions.

It is not always easy to tell when a loved one needs help. This is especially true in cases where they are fiercely independent and not likely to ask for assistance or to let you know that he or she is having a difficult time engaging in normal, everyday activities. By keeping a close eye on your loved one, you may be able to tell whether he or she is doing well, staying healthy, and able to live a productive life. Here are 5 red flags that should alert you to their need for assistance:

  1. Appearance: Does Mom or Dad suddenly appear disheveled, confused, or have an unkempt appearance? Pay attention to a lack of hygiene and grooming, because depression or dementia is frequently manifested in a failure to maintain the routines of self-care. A sudden or rapid weight loss can be a sign of many illnesses, but may also be an indicator they have lost the ability or the motivation to cook simple meals.
  2. Living Conditions: Is the home or apartment where your parents are living well-maintained, or is even basic maintenance or cleanliness beginning to become an issue? Simple tasks such as doing the dishes or laundry, changing light bulbs, sweeping, dusting, and wiping up are simple things that a senior should be able to do. Are items in the refrigerator or cupboards being kept and perhaps consumed way past their expiration dates?
  3. Memory Lapses: Everyone forgets a minor item here or there, but be on the lookout for memory lapses that are increasing in frequency and severity. The difference between misplacing your keys and forgetting how to drive home from the grocery store is a dangerous one, and a clear sign that your loved one needs help.
  4. Mood Swings: We all have a bad day from time to time. Does it seem as though Mom or Dad go several days at a time feeling lost? Do they often exhibit sudden or extreme mood swings? It could be related to their medications, illness, or a sign of something more serious and time to visit the doctor.
  5. Mobility: Be on the alert for a sudden decrease in your loved one’s ability to walk around and engage in normal daily activities. Are they bruised from falling often and not telling you? When a senior begins to exhibit difficulty moving or going up and down stairs, it may be time to consider taking appropriate steps to mitigate fall risk.

In conclusion, urge your parents or senior loved one to consult with their physician if they seem to be exhibiting behaviors that put them at risk. Often a neutral third party can make subtle suggestions about change and transition that are a bit less threatening. Physicians understand that home care can be the piece of the puzzle that keeps your parents in their home, so they can remain independent but are safe.

Whether or not you live close to your parents, you may want to consider home care or companion services to perform tasks such as helping with the daily routine, managing medications and meals, running errands and light housekeeping. This will put someone in close regular contact with Mom and Dad so that any warning signs will not go unnoticed if you are unable to regularly check in or assist on a daily basis.  Think about having that “care”-versation soon. No one wants to be a burden to their children or their loved ones. Planning for your parents’ long-term care can be stressful and complicated but Visiting Angels has a refreshing and affordable approach to home care that may be the simple solution you are looking for!

We serve Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding area: Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, West Palm Beach and Wellington.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, Owner and President, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches.

*Article not intended as medical advice.

 

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐