When people begin aging, they often find it difficult to mention to others that they need help. When Mom and Dad are aging, it is essential children check on them regularly to ensure they are maintaining their normal day-to-day living. During the holidays is a great time to check out their health and living situation to ensure there is no need for intervention, such as assisted living in Tomball, TX.
Extra Help May Be Needed for Seniors
Even before a senior reaches out for help, it is wise for family members to offer assistance. Some elderly people will not admit it when they need help, but they may accept the help that is offered. Offering to take them on errands or handle yard or home chores can provide welcome relief for the elderly.
Signs Elderly Parents Are Struggling
While visiting for the holidays, individuals need to learn as much as possible about how their parents are living. Snooping around a bit and talking to them can reveal a lot of information. If any of the following signs are noticed, it may be time to start considering options for assisted living in Tomball, TX.
They Are Finding It Difficult to Perform Daily Tasks
If elderly parents are having trouble with any of the following daily tasks, it is important family members get involved and find out why. An elderly person who cannot handle the following daily tasks likely needs immediate intervention. Waiting too long could put an elderly person in danger.
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Dressing
- Eating
- Continence
- Walking and transferring
Changes in Physical Appearance and Function
As a person ages, they will experience changes to their appearance and the way they function. Should children or other family members notice the following, there may be a need for assisted living with memory care.
- Noticeable weight loss or weight gain
- Poor personal hygiene with an unpleasant body odor
- Poor oral hygiene and grooming habits
- Bruises, marks, and other wounds
- Noticeable burns
Changes in Personality and Mental Health
Mental health declines are common as a person ages. Sometimes, mental health issues can arise because a senior is simply lonely. When the following mental health signs start occurring, and they are coupled with other warning signs, children of elderly parents need to get involved right away.
- Lack of interest in things they once loved
- Lack of drive
- Difficulty keeping up with time
- Extreme mood swings or changes in mood
- Increasing agitation
- Failure to answer the phone or return phone calls from family and friends
- Abusive behaviors
- Sleep pattern changes
Neglecting Household Chores
Checking for changes in household chores is an important step when individuals are visiting their elderly relatives. If an elderly person is suddenly neglecting the care of their home, the issue needs to be addressed to determine the cause of the changes.
- Profound changes in household cleanliness and orderliness
- Extreme clutter or signs of hoarding
- Unpaid bills
- Spoiled food in the fridge
- Low food supply
- Stained furniture and carpeting
- Urine odors
- Stacks of unopened mail
- Buildup of garbage
Loved Ones Need to Get Involved
While the holidays are typically not the best time for broaching the subject of moving into an assisted living community, this is a subject that does require attention. After the excitement of the holidays has begun to fade, it is important to sit down with the elderly person and learn what is going on in their lives. Asking the senior pertinent questions and taking time to listen is important for gaining an understanding.
If there are issues, it is important to talk about them gently. Mention seeing a doctor to determine if there are any underlying health issues that need to be addressed. A doctor will perform a thorough physical and help determine if mental health declines or dementia may be present.
Memory Care Services May Be Necessary
While minor cognitive declines are normal with aging and may only need minor intervention, serious issues need prompt attention. If an individual’s life is in danger while living alone, it is likely time to see about alternatives like assisted living.
An assisted living program offers memory care services that can provide extensive help for the elderly who are facing prominent mental declines. These services help keep the elderly safe, secure, healthy, and happy so they can continue to live as normal and private a life as possible.
Harvest Home & Inwood Crossing provides a safe community for the elderly who need daily assistance with their living chores. This community provides the elderly with plenty of mental and social stimulation to help them maintain their cognitive function as long as possible.
