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As our parents age, it can become challenging to determine when they might need additional support to stay safe and healthy. While many seniors value their independence, subtle changes in their behavior and living conditions can indicate it’s time to step in. By recognizing these signs early, you can ensure your senior parent receives the care he or she needs while preserving his or her dignity.
Changes in Personal Hygiene
One of the most noticeable indicators a parent may need extra help is a decline in personal hygiene. If your loved one is wearing stained or soiled clothes, neglecting regular bathing or grooming, or has an unusual body odor, it might be a sign he or she is having difficulty keeping up with daily routines. Physical limitations, cognitive decline, or depression could contribute to these changes, so addressing the underlying cause is critical.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated in-home care, you can turn to Lifestar Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. We also encourage families to explore what should people in their 70s do every day to promote healthier daily habits for seniors.
Difficulty Managing Household Tasks
Is your parent’s home unusually cluttered, unclean, or neglected? Piled-up mail, dirty dishes, overgrown lawns, or an overall disorganized home could signal household management has become overwhelming. Difficulty maintaining the home environment may also indicate mobility issues or a lack of energy, especially if tasks your parent once handled with ease are now left undone.
Forgetfulness or Poor Decision-Making
Memory lapses, such as forgetting to pay bills, failing to throw away expired food, or leaving appliances on, are concerning signs. These behaviors can pose safety risks and signal cognitive decline, such as the early stages of dementia. Additionally, poor decision-making, such as giving away large sums of money or falling victim to scams, may highlight vulnerability and the need for closer monitoring.
Decreased Social Engagement
A noticeable withdrawal from social activities or friends may indicate your parent is experiencing depression, fatigue, or health issues. If your loved one is no longer attending events he or she used to enjoy or seems disconnected from his or her usual network, it’s essential to check in. Social isolation can harm both mental and physical health, highlighting the need for added care and companionship.
For families living in Oklahoma City, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Lifestar Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Changes in Physical Health or Mobility
Take a close look at your parent’s physical health and mobility. Frequent falls, bruises, or other injuries might suggest difficulty with balance or coordination. Perhaps your loved one is walking with more difficulty or avoiding stairs entirely. Weight loss, missed medications, or a general decline in physical appearance could also mean your parent isn’t eating properly or neglecting doctor visits. These issues might require assistance with daily tasks or even medical supervision.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Oklahoma City families can rely on Lifestar Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.