Care News

10 Tell Tale Signs Aging Parents Need Help

Written By: Clare Absher RN, BSN

Our nurses have compiled the following list... Do any sound familiar?

• Not paying household bills on time or at all; bills and important documents are not put away in appropriate places and left lying around
• Not recognizing need for, arranging, or scheduling necessary household repairs and maintenance; lawn not mowed, trash disposed of, and mail retrieved with any regularity
• Driving safely becoming an issue; such as through increase in violations, accidents, easily becoming lost in familiar areas, and signs of deteriorating vision
• Not preparing meals, eating at regular times, or missing them completely; food on hand is often poorly-selected or outdated food left in refrigerator
• Declining personal hygiene as indicated by unkempt hair, dirty or lengthy nails, poor oral hygiene, body or urine odor, being unshaven, and wearing same clothes over and over
• Lack of interest in keeping up with housekeeping chores like laundry or cleaning; may simply complain that it is too difficult or tiring to continue doing them
• Losing track of medications, missed doses or overdose, or having interactions resulting in health concerns if not hospitalizations
• Reluctance to leave the house, run usual shopping errands, visit friends and family; sleeping long periods, and disinterest in usual hobbies or activities
• Getting up and down stairs and in and out of home becoming difficult; walking unsteady on level ground, complaining of dizziness, and falling is likely or has already occurred
• Making decisions that are likely to cause self harm or danger to others, such as leaving the stove turned on, cigarettes burning, or not recognizing an emergency or knowing the appropriate response

About Angel Companions

Angel Companions provides in home care in Marietta, GA, Atlanta, GA and the greater Altanta area. Read more...