Many aging adults don't inquire for assistance, mainly because they often fear being a burden to their families or losing their independence. Therefore, it is essential for family caregivers to constantly look for any indications that their senior loved one may need some extra help in their daily lives.
Recently, Home Care Potomac conducted a survey that found that more than 52 percent of family members presently began caring for their senior loved ones because they have had an injury, medical condition or illness that has left them dependent on others. However, depression, malnutrition, loss of a spouse, loneliness or isolation, and anxiety can add to a senior's dependence on others. Here are 5 signs to help you comprehend if your senior loved one needs extra help 1. Piled up Household Bills Simple activities such as opening and replying to daily mail and balancing a checkbook can be overwhelming for seniors, particularly if they suffer from eyesight impairment or if it was once the responsibility of a now-deceased spouse. This might result in checks being returned unpaid, bills being paid late, the disconnection of utilities due to lack of payment, and other monetary problems. 2. Reluctance to leave the house Instead of reaching out for assistance, older adults with problems walking, seeing, hearing, or remembering directions eventually become isolated. This is because they are less likely to ask for it. Suppose nothing is done to alleviate their social isolation. In that case, it can result in feelings of despair and loneliness, poor nutrition, and a host of other persistent health problems. 3. Malnutrition Seniors who suddenly start finding themselves alone can easily become lonely and are often overwhelmed by cooking and even eating prepared meals, leading to malnutrition. Another reason can be the wrong selection of foods in the house, expired or rotten vegetables in the fridge, or sudden weight loss. Seniors should eat enough calories and maintain a well-balanced diet to get by. 4. Declined Personal Hygiene Changes in appearance are the most significant indications that a senior requires assistance. These signs can go from untidy hair to body odor, from unshaven faces to wearing dirty, unchanged clothes. These changes can happen due to the inability to do the laundry, fear of falling in the tub, and physical condition weak enough to take a bath. 5. Declined Driving Skills Suppose you uncover proof of speeding or parking citations, dents, scratches, and fender-benders on their car as symptoms of deteriorated driving skills. In that case, you should be concerned about the person's ability to drive. Several warning signs indicate significant problems with senior drivers, including impaired vision, a bad sense of direction, driving at an excessively slow speed, an inability to blend in with traffic, and a delayed response time. Final Words Suppose you notice any of these symptoms in an elderly loved one. In that case, you may want to talk to a Potomac Home Care provider about creating a personalized plan to improve your loved one's diet and exercise routine so that they can regain their health and continue to live at home with their loved ones and treasured memories.
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