10 Signs Your Aging Parents Need Help

Dec. 5, 2008 - PRLog -- Torrance, Calif. – If you’re spending time with your aging parents this holiday season, add one more thing to your to-do list. Take note of signs indicating physical and mental changes that may be putting your mom and dad at risk.
   
“It’s not unusual for the phones at senior care companies to ring off the hook in early January,” said Denise de Cock, RN, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Torrance, providing companionship and in-home care for seniors in the South Bay area.  

“That’s when adult children seek advice after seeing troubling changes in their parents or other senior loved ones during family get-togethers.”

Weight loss, unkempt appearance, household clutter, and mood swings are among the indicators, she said.  

These warning signs and others can indicate physical and mental impairments that require immediate attention, including dementia, depression, malnutrition, vision and hearing loss, arthritis and joint problems, and other serious, age-related health issues.

“If you have concerns, talk with your parents and get to the heart of the issue,” she said. “For example, their weight loss may indicate a serious illness or may simply mean they’re uncomfortable driving and are not purchasing needed groceries.”

In some cases, they may not realize there are problems, de Cock said, “And if they do, they may be relieved that you are concerned and willing to help.”

Make doctors appointments and arrange transportation, she said, and consult with your local agency on aging and other senior-care experts for support.

If you can’t make it home for the holidays this year, plan a visit as soon as possible, said de Cock. Neglecting important signs will likely lead seniors to the kind of dependence that most would like to avoid.

“Seniors may not admit over the phone that something is wrong, fearing a loss of independence,” she said. “But assure them that there are other alternatives, including calling on trusted friends and family members for help, or in-home care and companionship services that assist with daily chores and serve as a second set of eyes when family members can’t be there.”

Even assistance with simple tasks like meal preparation, light housework, and medication reminders often is the difference between staying home and going to a senior facility.

“In-home help will allow them to remain independent and age in the environment that’s most familiar to them,” said de Cock.    

Contact Home Instead Senior Care in Torrance at (310) 542-0563 or http://www.homeinstead.com/286 for more information.


10 Warning Signs That Seniors Need Help

Below are warning signs from Home Instead Senior Care in Torrance that could indicate seniors need help in the home. Many of these red flags could indicate physical and mental impairments that need immediate attention.  


1.   Clutter. Are bills piling up? Is the house unkempt or the yard overgrown?    
2.   Personal Appearance. Are their clothes stained and dirty? Are they neglecting their personal hygiene?    
3.   Bruises. Are there bruises that may indicate problems with balance? Are they unable or unwilling to walk long distances or down stairs?    
4.   Weight Loss. Are they losing weight? Is an illness or mobility issue preventing them from eating properly?
5.   Mood Changes. Do they seem withdrawn or blue? Are their moods drastically different? Do they appear unsettled and out of sorts?
6.   Isolation. Are they forgoing social outings with friends or skipping church services and doctors appointments?
7.   Scorched Pots and Pans. Is forgetfulness or dementia causing the senior to neglect dinner cooking on the stove?
8.   Stained carpets and floors. Are there food and drink stains on floors indicating mobility problems?    
9.   Spoiled food. Is there spoiled or expired food in the refrigerator, freezer or cupboards? Are seniors neglecting proper nutrition by purchasing convenience foods?  
10.   Medications. Are they taking their medications? Are medications expired? Are they forgetting to refill medications?


Source: Home Instead Senior Care in Torrance, http://www.homeinstead.com/286.