Are your elderly parents living at home? These days, this is a common situation. The number of seniors living in nursing homes or retirement homes has declined over the past three decades. Today’s seniors want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
92 percent of Canadian seniors live at home, but not all of them are fully independent. Eventually, most people will need some help as they get older. At some point, your parents may need caregivers at home. Here are some signs your parents could benefit from elderly care at home.
They Struggle with Everyday Tasks
As people get older, they may need help with activities of daily living. Activities of daily living are those everyday self-care tasks that many people take for granted. They include getting dressed, eating, going to the bathroom, and having a bath. Instrumental activities of daily living are a bit more complex, and include things like going shopping, preparing meals, doing housework, and managing finances.
Your parents may not want to tell you they’re struggling with everyday tasks. Changes in appearance are a warning sign. Unwashed clothes, messy hair, or strong body odor are signs that seniors need help with grooming tasks. Changes around the house are another sign. For example, look for things like bills piling up on the counter, dirty dishes in the sink, or no food in the fridge. If you notice any of these signs, your parents may need a caregiver in the home to help them with tasks they can’t handle alone.
They Have Mobility Issues
Loss of mobility is common in older adults. Loss of mobility can have major consequences on a senior’s quality of life. With poor mobility, it’s harder to get out and go shopping or visit friends. Mobility loss also increases the chance of falling. Falls are very dangerous for seniors and could lead to injuries like broken hips.
If your parents are having trouble with things like going up and down the stairs, or going for a short walk, they may have mobility issues. Elderly care at home can help them get around. Caregivers can provide walking assistance. They can also arrange transportation so your parents can get out of the house.
They’re Isolating Themselves
Isolation is common among seniors. One-fifth of Canadian seniors don’t participate in any weekly or monthly activities. There are many reasons for this isolation. Your parents’ friends may have moved away or died. Mobility issues make it harder to get out of the house and participate in activities. No matter the reason, isolation can make seniors feel very lonely.
While you visit your parents as often as you can, you can’t be their entire social circle. They need other people to spend time with. Companion caregivers can fill the gap and help your parents feel less isolated. These caregivers can chat with your parents, help them with their hobbies, or play games.
They’re Becoming Forgetful
As people get older, they may become more forgetful. It’s normal for seniors to occasionally lose their glasses or car keys, or to sometimes forget names. When memory loss interferes with daily life, it could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia. For example, losing track of the seasons or asking the same questions many times could signal dementia.
If your parents are diagnosed with dementia, elderly care at home can provide the support they need. Caregivers can provide a customized home care plan for your parents. Whether they need help remembering to take their medications or constant monitoring, caregivers can help.
