As adult children, the well-being of our aging parents is likely to become a concern at some point. As our elders age, they will have different needs. One of the challenges we see our clients facing is knowing if and when they should intervene in certain situations and knowing what options there are to ensure that our parent’s wishes are met. As you can imagine, families have a broad range of experiences with this. Some of our elders may be very willing to enter an assisted living facility as they see their needs change. In sharp contrast, many others are adamant in their wish to remain in their home – a place that is familiar to them. Outside support may be needed in either situation. Below is a list of six factors to keep an eye out for and consider when evaluating what may be needed for your elderly loved one.

Are they having difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

Observing your parents struggling with basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or eating can be concerning. It’s easy to contrast this with the way they took care of us as children and sometimes it’s hard to handle the “role reversal.”

Are they experiencing frequent falls or balance issues?

Falls and balance problems are common among the elderly, but they can lead to serious injuries. They can also cause a lot of worry on your part. If your parents have experienced frequent falls or show signs of balance issues, you may need help to reduce the risk of accidents.

Do you notice any signs of forgetfulness or memory loss?

Normal forgetfulness is not uncommon, but memory loss and frequent forgetfulness can be indicators of cognitive decline. You may need to consider some type of support for them such as supervision, reminders, and mental stimulation to support you’re their cognitive well-being.

Are they becoming socially withdrawn or isolated?

Loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact the emotional well-being of your parents. If you notice they have become increasingly withdrawn, lost interest in hobbies, or struggle to maintain relationships, you may need support to help keep them actively engaged in social activities.

Are they maintaining their medication schedules?

Managing multiple medications can be a challenge for anyone, particularly aging parents. Medication errors or missed doses can be problematic in the elderly and your parents may need help with medication reminders, organizing prescriptions, and monitoring adherence to medication schedules.

Do you see a decline in routine household chores?

A noticeable decline in the upkeep of their home could be a sign that your parents need help with housekeeping tasks.

All of the situations listed above are those that require some form of intervention to preserve personal safety and general well-being. It is important to involve their physician as needed to ensure that proper medical assessments are made. It could be that our loved ones can no longer live on their own without some sort of support. It is also likely that the type of support your loved one will need may change over time.

At Gratitude Homecare, we are dedicated to preserving our client’s independence with supportive care that enables them to remain in their home. We also provide support for clients who are in assisted living settings to give them the best possible experience. If you have questions about the type of support your loved one needs, please reach out to Jela at 551-284-3777.