5 Signs Mom or Dad Needs Help at Home

As our parents age it's often difficult to know when the right time is to "butt in" and encourage them to get help at home. Most people do not want to give up their independence but there comes a time, when a reversal of roles becomes necessary to ensure that our parents are safe and comfortable. Some people are able to remain completely independent into their nineties, while others may need help as they approach seventy. How do you know when that time has arrived? Here are some tips that might be useful.

1. Falling. As we age our center of gravity shifts and balance and coordination decrease. Our muscles aren't as strong as they used to be and bones are more brittle. That makes falls more likely. Falling can have very serious consequences for people as they age, often leading to fractures, hospitalizations and rehab stays. If your parents are starting to have falls, this is an indication that maybe they can use some assistance in the home with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation or getting to and from the lavatory.

2. Memory Loss. Some memory loss is a normal part of aging. More severe memory loss can be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. If you sense that mom or dad is missing lots of appointments, forgetting to eat meals, or take medication this could be an indication that they need some in home supervision. Sometimes it is as simple as having someone check frequently to make sure that medications are taken. Other times people have to be reminded to eat or perform other activities fo daily living. Having daily contact with a family member or home companion can make a big difference from someone suffering memory loss.

3. Spouse is ill. Maybe Dad has had to go to the hospital for surgery or illness, and mom is his primary caretaker. After going home from the hospital she is struggling to provide care for him. Maybe he is too heavy for her to lift or the constant demands of caregiving are preventing her from sleeping at night. This is a common scenario and a sign that mom is going to need help to maintain her own health.

4. Decline in Home Maintainence. Maybe your mom has a reputation for having kitchen floors that are clean enough to eat off of and Dad takes care of his own lawn. It's a surprise when you come home for Thanksgiving to see dishes stacked in the sink,an invisible countertop and weeds growing in what was once an immaculate flower bed. If you see a change in the way your parents care for their home, it is often a sign that they are no longer able to keep up with demands of cleaning and maintaining a home.
5. Chronic Illness. Diagnosis of a chronic illness can be overwhelming for many seniors. It means more frequent trips to the doctor, keeping track of prescriptions and medications, seeing several medical specialists, and coordinating lots of information. This is all in addition to the symptoms of the disease. A diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Arthritis, or Cancer can be more than a person can deal with on their own. Having a family member or caregiver to help keep health information organized can make a big difference to someone's overall sense of well being. It is also helpful to have someone help monitor symptoms so that doctors can more accurately manage the illness.

If you notice any of these signs, it is possible that it is time to reach out to your parents and offer more help. Assistance with little things can be of great importance. Preparing meals, reminding for medications, attending doctors appointments, helping with housework, and providing transportation to appointments takes some of the pressure off mom or dad. If it isn't possible for you to provide daily assistance to them, then you might consider hiring someone to help them out. If you need more information about in-home care options, call us at 281-335-4882. We can help you problem solve around your particular situation.