Mayo Clinic’s Eight Warning Signs Your Parents Need Care

Often children of aging parents are unaware that their mom or dad is not getting the daily care they need.  As it can be an important factor in preventing serious problems down the road, the Mayo Clinic has put together eight warning signs for families to look for in regard to aging parents or relatives.  

The first question they recommend you ask yourself is, “Are your parents taking care of themselves?  There are several clues that can help to answer this question such as are they caring for their personal hygiene and is their house looking neglected and in disarray?  

Secondly, they suggest you look for signs of memory loss.  While some loss of memory is normal as we age, there is a difference between normal changes in memory and that associated with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.  If memory loss just involves misplacing items or forgetting appointments as opposed to altogether forgetting words or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood, it is most likely normal.  

Now think about if your parents are safe at home.  Go room to room to look for problems that may exist or get help from an agency that has experience in senior home safety.  If your parent has fallen recently, address the unsafe conditions immediately.  Also check if they can read directions on their medicine containers.  

Another thing the Mayo Clinic cautions about is to make sure your aging parent is safe on the road.  Have they been involved in an accident recently and/or do they become confused when driving?

Have you noticed a recent weight loss?  This can be a symptom of an underlying health problem or it may be a sign your parent is having trouble preparing and cooking food.  Certain medications can cause a loss of smell or taste, which can interfere with the pleasure of eating so they may not have much of an appetite. 

Has there been a noticeable change in your parent’s mood?  This can be a sign of depression or other health issues.  Also inquire about the amount of socialization they are getting.  Is your parent regularly connecting with friends and does he/she have activities that get them out of the house?

Lastly, take time to assess your parent’s mobility.  Are they unsteady on their feet?  Do they have difficulty walking any length of distance, and could they benefit from using a cane or walker?    Keep in mind that falls are a major cause of disabilities for seniors. 

If you think your parent needs help, contact a home care agency such as SYNERGY HomeCare.  We can provide your mom or dad the care they need to live comfortably and safely in their own home.  

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

  

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/aging-parents/art-20044126