When your parents start becoming frail as a result of age, a great deal of independence is lost and roles are reversed. Yet for most elderly parents, the battle to accept the loss of independence is a real one. Ageing persons will attempt to hold onto their independence even when it’s apparent they need help. Although you may be well-intentioned, your ageing parents may be at odds with you when you try to help. You may end up thinking that your parent is just being stubborn but one thing you need to understand is that one of the scariest things senior citizens fear is loss of control. Loss of independence makes them feel helpless and for most, hopeless too. That’s why you shouldn’t expect your parents to call you and inform you of their need for assisted living. You need to be on the lookout for these telling signs.
If your elderly loved one exhibits poor eating habits, and this you will now if you constantly pay them physical visits, it may be a sign that something is not in place. You need to get to the root cause of the problem. Find out if they’re still able to go shopping and stocking their fridge. A quick peek to their fridge may reveal expired or spoiled groceries. Although your senior one may resist having strangers at home, getting a qualified and trustworthy person who can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation is the most sensible thing to do. Your parents may, however, need a little convincing why getting that kind of help is important.
Poor hygiene is also another telling sign that things are not right. Again, regular visits to your parents’ house will help you notice some of these things. You need to be on the lookout for their bathing habits. Do they change clothes like they used to? Are they having a body odor? Poor hygiene may be a sign of cognition problems or it could be the loved one finds it difficulty dressing up. It could even be a loss of interest and enthusiasm for life which begins to reflect physically; you need to find out. In many cases, this is usually a sign that it’s time to hire assisted living for your parents.
Some health conditions may also signal help. Although ageing in itself is not a disease, it makes the human body prone to some health conditions. Environmental exposure to pollutants, a psychological process like inflammation, effects of lifestyle factors like diet, smoking and fitness levels can all accelerate a decline in health among the ageing. Some health conditions such as heart disease, loss of mobility, muscular degeneration, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia all contribute to diminished independence. If your senior loved one is diagnosed with a chronic disease, it may be a sign that their days of living independently are numbered. Some of these conditions may cause loss of mobility issues, forgetfulness and a myriad of other issues that eventually affect one’s ability to take care of their daily activities.
Once you notice signs of loss of independence, it’s time to come up with a care plan for your ageing parents. Preferably, Winnipeg home-care that ensures your parents are in good hands at the comfort of their home.
