Indicators Your Elderly Loved One Is Having Problems

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Signs Your Elderly Loved One Is Having Problems in Oshkosh, WI

work, family, and other life demands, keeping up with your elderly loved one’s health and wellbeing can be difficult. When visiting, take note of the following signs that could indicate your parent is experiencing problems. By observing these signs early, you can ensure your loved one receives the assistance he or she needs to maintain a high quality of life.

Mood Changes

While some changes in mood are expected with age, if your kind, socially outgoing parent suddenly becomes withdrawn and easily angered, it could be a sign of a more complex problem. If you notice your loved one’s behavior seems out of the ordinary, encourage him or her to seek professional assistance to address the issue.

Changes in Weight or Eating Habits

If you notice your parent has experienced a drastic decrease in weight, it’s possible he or she isn’t eating on a regular basis. In addition to being unhealthy, dramatic weight loss can be an indicator of depression or other chronic conditions. Similarly, gaining a significant amount of weight in a short time could also indicate the same conditions. If your parent experiences problems with weight, have him or her meet with his or her primary physician as soon as possible.

If you aren’t always able to be with your loved one to monitor his or her wellbeing, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Oshkosh, home care service providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Between 

Changes in Personal Hygiene Habits & Cleanliness

If your well-dressed parent suddenly looks as if he or she is no longer keeping up with personal care, he or she may be living with a more severe health problem. If you notice your loved one’s attention to personal care isn’t what it used to be, it could be a sign of depression or dementia. If your loved one has mobility problems or other issues that make it challenging to handle his or her own personal care, consider hiring a home caregiver. Caregivers are trained to help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and incontinence.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Mismanagement of Finances

Unpaid bills lying around the house when you visit could be a sign that finances are overwhelming your parent. Losing the ability to keep up with bills is sometimes an early sign of dementia. If your loved one is able to pay the bills but doesn’t do so, he or she may be experiencing some degree of memory loss. Ask your loved one about the situation to gauge the scope of the issue, and help him or her find ways to address the problem.

Decreased Social Activity

 The golden years are often characterized by the loss of friends and loved ones, and seniors may no longer have people to spend time with. Aging adults may also have difficulty socializing if they’re no longer able to drive. In-home caregivers offer companionship, and they can also provide transportation to places where aging adults can socialize with other seniors.If you see any of the signs listed above, talk openly with your loved one about the possibility of hiring a professional caregiver to help. When considering senior care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Call Home Care Assistance at (920) 573-6295 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.

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