You have a chance to assess your loved one’s behavior by asking about his or her worries. Seniors may feel isolated or depressed at an older age. The negative emotions may lead to many diseases or trauma. There is a better way to figure out if seniors need round-the-clock attention or not. Home Care Frederick has shared five warning signs which may indicate your loved one needs a helping hand.
1. Falling Hazards
Notice whether your loved one can see things like indoor or outdoor stairs. Senior may have a hard time watching stair-steps, particularly without railings or poor lighting. Rugs or intense clutter may make it difficult for your loved one to carry things around the house. If seniors are using dangerous stepladders or stools to access things, then you need to look after them. Make sure the restroom doesn’t have obstacles for your loved one. At an older age, vision changes are common in seniors. If your senior loved one has fallen before, he or she may probably fall or trip again.
2. Forget to Do Important Tasks
If you see piles of unopened mail or unpaid bills, your loved one may be having problems with memory. Seniors may also forget to manage important financial, home, or legal documents. Your loved one may face trouble physically or mentally. Unpaid bills or missing checks can be a warning sign of financial mishandling. Buy sticky notes for your loved one so he or she may remember about the daily errands.
3. Car Crashes and Tickets
If you see car accidents, regardless of how little, your loved one may have problems with driving. Notice if there are any scratches or imprints on the car to check whether it is safe for your loved one to drive. It’s a great opportunity to have a discussion about driving with seniors. You can also ride along with your loved one and watch if he or she is driving safely or having difficulties. Seniors might have a medical problem or vision impairment which makes it hard for them to drive.
4. Isolation
Seniors may feel disconnected from their friends or family members. If your loved one needs emotional support, he or she wants someone to talk about personal feelings. Don’t let seniors feel isolated so their support system doesn’t crumble. Find out to whom your loved one likes to spend time with. Ask your loved one if he or she feels lonely. Search for activities which senior appreciates or have fun doing. For example, a senior group program where your loved one can volunteer. Art exhibitions or music festivals may help seniors enhance their social interaction.
5. Changes in Appearance or Health
If your loved one is becoming obese or losing weight rapidly, it is a bad sign. Seniors may wear similar or dirty clothes the whole week. At an older age, seniors may forget to shower, has grimy hair, or avoid self-care. Seniors should have a complete mental and therapeutic assessment to determine if they are feeling normal. Stress and anxiety in seniors need to be taken care of.
Seniors who need round-the-clock care needs someone who they can trust and feel comfortable with. Imagine a professional caregiver helping your loved one on a 24-hour basis. Frederick, MD Alzheimer’s Care offers exceptional caregivers to help seniors with basic tasks. Hiring a caregiver is an excellent alternative to a care living facility.