How to Know When Your Aging Loved One Needs Help

Aging can be a frightening concept for many people. After having lived a life of independence and capability, many view their senior years, when they may be experiencing difficulty with day-to-day activities, as a step down from the previous chapters of their lives. Unfortunately, some aging adults refuse to acknowledge or simply don’t recognize when their normal activities become overwhelming. In these cases, the responsibility may fall to their loved ones to identify the signs their friend or family member is having difficulty carrying out everyday tasks.

What Kind of Health Concerns Can Disrupt Their Activity?

Most people don’t stop checking their mail or cooking just because they don’t feel like it. If you enter your loved one’s home and notice their house or they themselves have seen better days, there’s usually an underlying reason they do not complete normal chores anymore. Typically, seniors stop completing these tasks due to a health issue that makes it difficult to function. From pain to forgetfulness, there are many diseases and conditions that could be wreaking havoc on your loved one’s routine. Keep these problems in mind when examining your loved one’s living situation:

• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Heart attack or stroke
• A recent injury from a fall
• Vision or hearing problems
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Depression

These issues aren’t uncommon, either. According to a report published by AARP in 2015, 60 percent of caregivers provide care for a senior who has a long-term physical illness or disability. What’s more, 21 percent care for an aging loved one who has a mental or emotional condition, while 25 percent claim their aging loved one has a memory problem.

What Are the Signs They Need Assistance?

Chances are, if you feel like something’s not right with your loved one or their home, they likely need some help. However, many seniors feel shocked or embarrassed about the state of their home and may try to cover it up as a temporary condition. It’s only human to feel too lazy to do the dishes once in a while, but when your parent says they were “just about to take care of it” every time you’re over, you may have cause for concern. Look for these signs that your loved one may need a caregiver or benefit from a move to a more senior-friendly community.

• Frequent falls and stumbles or bruising on their body
• Dirtier-than-normal home
• Body odor or odor throughout the home
• Wearing the same clothes multiple days in a row
• Expired or rotten groceries in the pantry or fridge
• Unopened or unorganized mail
• Running behind on bill or rent payments
• Struggling to stand from a seated position
• Weight loss
• Forgetfulness or confusion about tasks, appointments or events
• Difficulty walking short distances
• Changes in mood or personality

If you begin to notice a reduction in your loved one’s quality of life, it may be time to consider talking to them about the changes they can make to improve their lives. An at-home caregiver may be appropriate for more minor difficulties like trouble seeing or driving. If your friend or family member experiences more serious issues at home, like memory loss or trouble managing medications, it may be best to tour an assisted living community where they can receive help when they need it most at any time of day.

Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in St. Augustine, FL

It can be difficult to watch your loved one struggle with everyday tasks, especially when they begin to feel frustrated or defeated. Luckily, you and your aging friend or family member can find peace of mind at an assisted living and memory care community like Silver Creek. Our beautifully landscaped community and deluxe amenities are reminiscent of a paradise resort. Each and every resident enjoys the one-on-one assistance and care our friendly, trained staff provide with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing or taking medications. Contact us online or call 800-940-0988 to schedule your tour today!

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