The holidays can be a lot of fun but can also be a bit stressful, especially for seniors. They don’t want to feel like they are a burden to anyone, yet they still want to enjoy all the festivities of family and friends. If you notice some of the following signs in your senior loved one, it may be time to think about an in-home caregiver.
Daily Appearance Changes
The changes in appearance are often the signs you will spot first. If your elderly parent has always looked sharp in pressed clothes and all of a sudden, they are wearing wrinkled or dirty clothes, this would be a sign that something may be wrong. You may also notice things like poor hygiene and not bathing often enough, which causes body odor.
Forgetting or Refusing to Take Medications
Medication for seniors should always be managed carefully and oversight can sometimes be needed. Some seniors may refuse to take their medicine, and still, others are forgetful. Either way, it can lead to problems and is a sign that caregiving might be needed.
Frequently Repeating Questions
It’s common to gather together with people you haven’t seen in a while during the holidays, and that always means lots of conversations. If you notice your senior loved ones repeating things a lot or asking the same questions frequently, this can be a sign of other concerns such as dementia. Cognitive decline is common as we age, but if it seems severe or unusual, you should speak with their doctor about it.
Depression Resulting from Loneliness and Isolation
It’s hard to recognize the signs of depression in seniors sometimes, but if you notice they seem moodier or down, pay close attention. Loneliness is one of the leading causes of depression in seniors and it should not be ignored. They may have already lost loved ones and friends to death and can feel like their own lives aren’t worth living. Look for signs of them not doing hobbies or activities they have always enjoyed, or not wanting to engage in a social setting.
Sometimes, all that’s needed is a little more time spent with your loved one. If they can no longer drive, they may feel isolated, so you can help by taking a walk together, picking them up for errands and grocery shopping, or making sure they can still go to church. Isolation absolutely has an adverse effect on their physical well-being. It can lead to higher blood pressure, obesity from poor eating habits, and arthritis that sets in from being too sedentary.
If you notice any of these signs in your senior loved ones, contact us today and find out how we can help! The holidays should be enjoyable for everyone!
Home Helpers of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer's & dementia care, Parkinson's care as well as homemaker services in Cincinnati, Kenwood, Blue Ash, Indian Hill, Greenhills, Fort Thomas, Hyde Park, Madeira, Sharonville, Mason, West Chester, Mt. Lookout, Anderson, Wyoming, Covington, Burlington, Florence, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, Finneytown, Milford, Newport, Clifton, and Forest Park.
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