There is nothing more important in this world than our loved ones. But it is inevitable that they – and we – will all grow old. Therefore, making certain that our aging family members are healthy and happy is not just a goal; it is a necessity.
At some point in time, friends and family members may begin to show signs that they could benefit from home health care. The difficult part is knowing how to differentiate between the typical signs of aging and when it’s truly time to worry.
AgingCare.com, an online community providing advice, information and support when it comes to caring for elderly family members, understands the frustrations when aging loved ones shrug off our concerns. Therefore, they have compiled the following list to help family members and friends make confident choices in terms of home health care.
Here is their list of 20 warning signs that could mean your loved one needs help:
- Spoiled food that doesn't get thrown away
- Missing important appointments
- Unexplained bruising
- Trouble getting up from a seated position
- Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility
- Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
- Forgetfulness
- Unpleasant body odor
- Infrequent showering and bathing
- Strong smell of urine in the house
- Noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care
- Dirty house, extreme clutter and dirty laundry piling up
- Stacks of unopened mail or an overflowing mailbox
- Late payment notices, bounced checks and calls from bill collectors
- Poor diet or weight loss
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
- Forgetting to take medications – or taking more than the prescribed dosage
- Diagnosis of dementia or early onset Alzheimer's
- Unexplained dents and scratches on a car
If your loved one has exhibited one or more of these warning signs, feel free to contact a Freedom Home Care professional. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
