Aging is a process that inevitably happens to everyone. One day, you are young, healthy, and vibrant, and then suddenly your children are grown and giving you grandkids. Watching those around you get older can be difficult. However, what they go through is even more difficult.
The aging process does not make your older loved ones feel like they want to lose their independence; they want to go on with life as usual. Unfortunately, there will be a time when older family members are going to need in-home care, but it is unlikely that they will admit to the need for it. As a trusted love one, watch for the following three signs, so that you and your family can take action when needed.
1. Serious Forgetfulness
Have you noticed that your loved one is becoming more forgetful? While forgetfulness is a common sign of aging, it can also be a telltale sign that your loved one may be developing serious issues of the brain.
According to SeniorCare Companions, Inc., a facility specializing in Alzheimer’s in-home care in Long Island, “When advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s have begun to take their toll on your relative or elderly loved one, the challenges of providing daily care for them can be daunting.” Diseases such as Alzheimer’s can cause a person to slowly lose their memory. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, a person can begin to forget to do daily tasks. If you notice or you suspect that your senior loved one is getting to be very forgetful, that is a sign that he may need to sign up for such a service.
2. Frequent Falls
If your senior loved one has suffered from one non-serious fall, that is not too alarming. On the other hand, if you have noticed that your loved one has fallen on several occasions or that he has gotten seriously injured from a fall, it is highly possible that it will happen again. The weakening of bones and joints combined with the loss of balance that can occur with age can cause senior citizens to fall.
There are some precautions that can be taken. You can get them a personal alarm that they carry on themselves. With this alarm, if they fall, they can hit a button, and emergency services will call them. At the same time, frequent falls can cause a lot of damage to older individuals, and the fall may be a sign that they need to get extra help at home.
3. Getting Lost
If your senior loved one has gotten lost when outside of the home, this is a sign that he or she may be suffering from problems with brain health. Your senior loved one may find herself out of the home, at the store, or even with friends and family when suddenly, she does not know where she is at. This feeling of disorientation is scary for your loved one, but it is also very scary for you and your family.
Your loved one could get lost when leaving the house, and she may not be able to get back home. Your loved one may even forget important information like her address or phone number. This can cause serious stress on the family. If you notice that your loved one is getting frequently lost, this is a sign that she should probably not be living alone.
Protect Your Aging Loved Ones
Your cherished loved one deserves dignity and respect. He or she has lived a long life and has accomplished great things. It can be highly difficult for a person to admit that they are getting older, but you have to make sure that your assistance to them and their safety is your highest priority. When you realize that they are no longer able to live by themselves, talk to them with a calm and mild spirit, and try to help them come to the conclusion that they need help on their own. The last thing that you want is for him to feel like a decision is being forced upon him.
You can assure them that they will not have to leave their home, but that they will have someone who will offer them protection. This may be a tough conversation, but it is one that must occur. Your loved one’s livelihood and life may depend on in-home help.