As seniors age, they may not be able to do the same things they once did. Everything from driving and mobility to vision and hearing may become difficult, but most seniors won’t admit this out of fear of losing their independence, which is why it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on when visiting. If your loved one is having difficulty caring for him or herself, he or she will likely leave clues around the house. Here are some things you can look out for when you visit.
Piles of Unopened Mail
One of the first things you may notice when your loved one isn’t taking great care of him or herself is an unopened stack of mail on a table, counter, or desk. You might find utility and credit card bills that are months behind, and you may even discover past due notices, overdrafted bank accounts, utilities that have been cut off, and letters from collection agencies. Unopened mail could be a sign of many issues, ranging from dementia and memory loss to depression or lack of interest in tending to finances. It could even be a sign your loved one is having vision issues and can’t read anymore.
Unopened mail may indicate your parent needs someone to care for him or her at home. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Prestige Home Care, families trust Prestige Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Drastic Change in Hygiene
Pay close attention to your loved one’s appearance. Any major changes, especially in hygiene, may be cause for concern. Bad body odor, greasy hair, dirty clothes, and clothes that don’t match the seasons are all signs something is off. Depression is often a major cause of poor hygiene.
Unsafe Living Conditions
As you go further into your loved one’s home, you may notice a change in living conditions. Look for problems like tripping hazards, hoarding, an abundance of clutter, animal feces if he or she has a pet, stoves and other appliances left on, and anything else that could cause illness or injury. Unsafe living conditions may be a sign your loved one can’t live alone anymore.
Consider hiring a professional and dedicated caregiver to increase your parent’s safety while aging in place. When searching for reliable Windermere elder care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Prestige Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
Expired Food or No Food
It’s also important to check out the fridge and pantry when you visit. They should be stocked with food that hasn’t expired or spoiled. An empty fridge or pantry or one full of old food is a sign your loved one isn’t taking care of him or herself. You may also notice your loved one has lost weight or looks sickly from undernourishment. It could be a matter of not having a way to get to the store, or it could be a lack of interest in food, which may be indicative of a major mental or physical health issue.
Accidents with the Car
Take a look at your loved one’s car and the area where he or she parks. Look for any scrapes, dents, or other signs of accidents. Check the driveway and garage for signs your loved one may have run into the walls, curbs, or other objects in the vicinity. You may even want to check his or her car insurance premiums. An increase in fender benders is a sign it may be time for your loved one to give up driving.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Prestige Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Altamonte Springs seniors can depend on. Call (407) 232-7155 to choose the most suitable in-home care plan for your loved one.