As they grow older, each time you meet your parents, you’ll begin to notice several changes in their behaviour. They won’t be as quick around the house, they’ll need more rest than usual, and soon, it will become harder for them to do everyday tasks.
It’s difficult for adults who’ve been self-sufficient and independent for decades to admit they could use some help. It’s not easy for them to accept the fact that they’re getting older and they may not be as well as they used to be.
It’s important to identify behavioral changes in aging parents to get them the help they need. Here are some common signs that tell you that your aging parents need assistance:
1. They Forget Things
Being forgetful every now and then is normal, but older adults tend to forget things regularly. You’ll notice them repeating themselves and forgetting where they placed certain objects, for instance.
A problem arises when their forgetfulness impacts their health and wellness. If your parents forget to pay their bills and take their medicine, they may need assistance.
Before you think of hiring outside help, consider trying to arrange for your parents to consult a doctor, preferably an expert in Geriatrics medicine, to see whether there might be a medical reason behind their forgetfulness.
2. They’re in Pain
Experiencing some body pain once in a while is nothing to worry about, but if your parents’ body pain is debilitating and restricts their movement, they may need to see a doctor.
Untreated pain in elderly adults can worsen very quickly and can have a deep impact on their daily lives. The pain could also make it difficult to get around the house, making them prone to falls. They may struggle to walk upstairs, or balance themselves on slippery tiles.
If they have severe joint pain, they may need a cane or a walker.
3. Reduced Appetite
As they get older, seniors may not have the energy to order groceries or cook, so they start skipping meals. Elderly people often become frail when they don’t eat well.
If you’ve noticed a drop in their weight when you speak with them on video calls, or if you know they’ve reduced their purchase of groceries or aren’t cooking as much as they used to, it’s probably either because they’ve lost their appetite, or they’re struggling to cook and need assistance.
4. They Aren’t As Clean As They Used to Be
Elderly people tend to neglect themselves and their surroundings. They may not be able to go to the barbershop or salon. They forget to brush their teeth and comb their hair.
You may notice that they’re wearing unclean clothes or that there’s dust collecting on their furniture.
All of these are signs that your parents need help around the home—and that’s where providers of elder care services or agencies for elderly home care come in.
senOcare provides comprehensive home care for elderly in their own homes across Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida. You can choose from various care packages designed to support senior citizens or we can also customize a package that caters to your specific requirements. senOcare can also arrange a tele-consult for your parents and you with a doctor so that you can ask questions and make informed decisions. We offer a range of services related to health and fitness, security and home maintenance, technology assistance, forms and filing, and more.
Call us today on +91 8800 003 046 or email us at [email protected].
We’ll be happy to help.
