
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to unfold, it’s more important than ever to keep a watchful eye on your aging parent. While healthcare officials encourage social distancing and self-isolation, consider dropping off supplies, weekly phone calls, daily texts or video chat. Whether food is spoiling, mail is piling up, or something simply seems out of the ordinary, certain signs suggest an aging parent needs help now.
In this post we have outlined some of the signs that your aging parent may now require assistance.
Bounced checks, calls from collections, and late payment notices
Are bills being paid late or not at all? Are there messages from collection companies?
Broken or damaged appliances and fixtures
Have they stopped cooking or maintaining a regular meal schedule because their kitchen appliances don’t work? Are important items breaking and/or not being tended to, such as light bulbs or smoke alarms?
Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Are your parents acting differently towards you, friends or even strangers?
Cluttered, dirty or disorganized house
Is the home beginning to look and feel different, or even unrecognizable?
Confusion and uncertainty when performing familiar tasks
Do your parents seem uncertain how to complete daily chores or tasks such as laundry, vacuuming or washing dishes?
Feeling depressed or having little to no energy
Is there a noticeable change in your parents’ demeanor? Do they smile or laugh like they used to?
Wearing disheveled or tattered clothing
Is there a distinguishable difference in your parents’ appearance? Are their clothes worn or dirty?
Keeping expired groceries and not throwing them away
Is food collecting dust on the counter or making the fridge and house smell?
Forgetfulness
Are they losing or misplacing keys, wallets or other important items on a regular basis?
Forgetting to take medications
Are there full bottles of prescription medicines in medicine cabinets?
Leaving the house or yard maintenance unattended
Are weeds growing uncontrolled or is trash piling up outside?
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
When was the last time they did something they loved?
Missing important appointments
Are they frequently missing appointments, rescheduling them, or simply not showing up?
Weight loss or poor dieting habits
Have you noticed they are eating less, or consuming only fast food or prepackaged snacks?
Poor personal hygiene
Do you frequently notice bad breath or body odor?
Trouble getting up from a seated position
Are they struggling to sit or stand?
Frequent injuries or bruising
Have you seen bruises, scratches or cuts appearing more often without any reason or an explanation?
Unexplained dents or damage on their car
Are they getting into more accidents? In general, are they not paying attention to their car or safety?
These are just a few signs that your parent may require more assistance in their daily life. If you can relate to any of these warning signs, then we urge you to click here to contact one of our Directors of Sales today to see how we may be able to help.
Source: Kim Acosta