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It’s strange watching your parents grow old, as they were once the ones to give you life and raise you. Sometimes, it can happen suddenly, and one day you find that your once capable parents need a little more than a couple of visits per week. If you’re struggling to know whether your parents need care help or not, here are the signs to look out for.
They Keep Forgetting Things
A little bit of forgetfulness in old age is common, but if it starts affecting daily life, then there might be a problem. If your parents consistently forget appointments, holidays, and even taking their meds, care could be necessary. While not remembering a distant relative’s birthday isn’t harmful, not remembering to take their meds could cause significant damage.
They Never Leave their House
If your parent starts to leave their home less frequently, then it could be a sign something is wrong. Isolation is unfortunately rife in the elderly, and you want to ensure that they get outside and see the world, even if that’s just a quick trip to the shops.
Staying inside could mean they struggle to do so, which may require a care home. There are plenty of great care homes out there, like this Ascot nursing home, which will ensure your parent is well looked after in a caring community.
Their Hygiene is Poor
Poor hygiene is another sign that your elderly parent needs a little help. If you’ve noticed that they seem to always wear the same clothes, their hair isn’t washed, and they smell unpleasant, then intervention might be necessary. Telling someone they have poor hygiene is never a fun conversation, but it is essential to address it when it comes to health.
They’ve Lost a Lot of Weight
There are plenty of reasons a senior might lose weight, with many of them pointing to the need for care. While going down a dress size doesn’t require urgent attention, if you’ve noticed your parent has lost a significant amount of weight, it is worth taking note of. They might be struggling to cook meals, or they could have lost their appetite due to an illness – both things that could require care help.
They Have Sustained Injuries
If you’re finding bruises on your parent’s body, and they’ve had a fall or two, it’s time to seek outside help. While a trip may not cause significant harm one time, what happens when they lose their balance at the top of the stairs? Ensure that their injuries don’t get any worse by seeking care help.
There’s a Change in Their Personality
A vast shift in their personality could be a sign of dementia, so if you notice this, take them to the doctors and consider care help. Personality changes are one of the hardest signs to deal with, so make sure you look after yourself, too. Accepting that your parent needs help is never easy, but the sooner you give them the care they need, the sooner you can rest assured that they are safe.
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