Signs Your Aging Loved One Might Need Help

Assessing the daily functioning of aging friends and family can be challenging. It can be emotionally difficult to recognize that someone you care about may be struggling and need additional assistance. If you live close by, you can gain a clearer understanding of their needs by spending time with them at home. If you live farther away, you might need to arrange for caregiving support.

9 Signs Your Aging Loved One Might Need Caregiving Help

It's important to pay attention and ask questions to see if your loved one needs help, even if they don't ask for it directly. Ask them how they handle their daily tasks. Pay attention to any pauses in their answers.

Watch how they handle things at home. Also, observe how they handle things behind the wheel. Look out for these signs that they might need help with their daily activities.

Home: When you visit, is your loved one's home as you remember it? An unusually dirty, smelly, or cluttered home might indicate they're having trouble with daily chores.

Car: Check for new scratches or dents. If you see accidents or hear about traffic tickets, it's a good idea to think about other ways to get around.

Memory: Signs of forgetfulness include missed appointments, unpaid bills, and buying the same item multiple times. Scorched pots might suggest they've forgotten something on the stove.

Mobility: As people age, tasks like climbing stairs, showering, or getting out of bed can become risky. Pay attention to bruises, which may indicate falls.

Hygiene: Dirty clothes, body odor, and dental issues suggest they might not be maintaining personal hygiene. This could be due to physical difficulties or depression.

Weight: Unexplained weight changes could signal health concerns or difficulty with cooking. Check if the fridge is stocked with nutritious food.

Hobbies: If they've stopped engaging in activities they used to enjoy, it could be a sign of depression or other health issues. Look for sudden changes in behavior.

Health: Missed medical appointments or medication doses can be dangerous. Ensure your loved one can manage their health care needs independently.

Social Circle: Are they staying in touch with friends and family or avoiding social engagements? Social isolation can negatively impact mental and physical health.

Bottom Line

Approach your aging loved one with empathy and compassion, recognizing the challenges they may be facing. Maintain open communication, offering support without compromising their sense of independence and dignity. By paying attention to the small signs of their changing needs, you can make sure they get the right care and keep living a happy life.

Sources:

https://meaningfulmidlife.com/9-signs-that-an-aging-parent-or-loved-one-needs-help/

Disclosures:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.