Home for the Holidays: Signs Aging Parents Need Help
We all know just how special it is to gather during the holidays with family and friends, share stories of the past, and simply be together once again. In addition to creating new memories, the holiday season also provides a unique opportunity to engage in a thoughtful “check-in” on the well-being of our older loved ones.
It’s essential to watch out for situations and signs aging parents need help – or aging relatives for that matter. This can ensure that the holidays remain not only merry but also safe for everyone involved.
If you’re not sure where to begin, this episode will guide you through ways to prepare your home for family visits, focusing on the care needs of your elderly loved ones and recognizing when they might need assistance.
Regardless of whether you’ve been noticing some telltale signs for a while or are simply curious as to what they are, this episode promises to provide you with insights to ensure your loved one gets the exact kind of care they need, like assisted living or another senior care option.
Listen in and learn how to prevent avoidable issues from happening, learn how to spot the signs of needing support, and master the art of empathetic communication with your loved one.
Click to listen to this episode:
Signs Aging Parents Need Help
Adult children should be vigilant in observing any changes in their aging loved ones. While visiting together, here are some signs to look for that may signify a change and let you know that a senior loved one or aging parent requires some extra help with their day to day lives:
- A home that is disorganized, cluttered or dirty, especially if your loved one has always been fastidiously neat or organized.
- Expired or long outdated groceries in the refrigerator or pantry, especially if the food has started to smell or turn moldy.
- Bruises or cuts on your loved one, especially if these injuries are unexplained or seem to be a common occurrence.
- Unpaid bills, bounced checks, or late payment notices, signifying a change in the way bills are being paid.
- Home elements that are not being properly maintained like damaged fixtures or broken appliances. Are smoke alarms and light bulbs working? Note any changes in the outside of the home, including yard maintenance.
- Confusion when doing day to day activities like cleaning or cooking as well as changes in mood. Do you detect a difference in demeanor? Are they struggling with activities of daily living?
- Changes in physical appearance including personal hygiene, weight loss or gain, and the state of clothing. Note any changes in eating habits as well.
- Is your loved one taking their prescription medications as directed or do they need medication management? Are they keeping appointments with doctors?
- Is your loved one having issues while driving? Are there unexplained damage or dents to their car?
- Changes in mental health, such as increased forgetfulness or mood swings, can also be a sign that your elderly parent needs additional support.
Recognizing these warning signs can help ensure the well-being of your elderly parents and allow you to take proactive steps to address their needs.
Noticing changes can open a discussion with siblings and other family members to formulate a plan to help your older adults maintain their independence and stay as safe and comfortable as possible. Having a conversation about life changing options isn’t always the easiest to start but it will give you valuable peace of mind as well as provide your loved one the opportunity to live their best life.
Considering a senior living community can provide a supportive environment for your aging parents, offering various levels of care and social engagement.
How CarePatrol Can Help You Find the Right Senior Care Solutions
Finding senior care options is easier when you work with someone who truly understands the communities available as well as the needs of your loved one. At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors will help you find the right senior living solution for your family by partnering with you for every step of the process. We will help you find the right place based on criteria including needs, desires and budget, accompany you to tour vetted communities and even make move-in day less stressful.
Tune in for insights and resources from Mary Ann Pickell, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, Certified Dementia Practitioner®, and President of CarePatrol of Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks.
About Mary Ann Pickell:
Mary Ann Pickell is a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Dementia Practitioner located in the Lehigh Valley. She is the owner and independent operator of CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks region.
Mary Ann was employed as a Senior Care Consultant and Marketing Director with CarePatrol for 4.5 years prior to purchasing the franchise from the previous owner. Before joining CarePatrol, she was a Marketing Associate with a non-medical home care agency; this is where the love of working with the older adult population began.
Throughout her career, she has held management roles in sales and marketing but has found her passion for helping families when they are dealing with making difficult decisions about senior care.
Mary Ann serves on the Board of Lehigh Valley Aging in Place as Co-Chairperson for the Membership Committee and serves on the LVAIP Symposium Committee. Recently, she served as Vice President of the Board. She is a current member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
Mary Ann resides in the Lehigh Valley area along with her husband, three children, and two
dogs.
Show Notes
- Considerations to keep in mind when hosting older adults who may have special care needs
- Steps hosts can take to prepare their home for older adults who will be visiting during the holidays
- Ways to keep older adults engaged in family activities during the holidays
- Common signs and situations that might indicate that an older loved one needs extra support
- Tips on starting the conversation about the next steps of care with an elderly loved one
