It's hard to accept that your parents may no longer be able to care for themselves. However, as they age, your parents may begin to struggle to maintain the same degree of independence that they enjoyed in the past. Especially if you are unable to visit your parents regularly, it may be hard to determine if they're in need of home care, but when you stop by for a visit, you should look carefully for these indicators that your parent needs additional help. If you find that they do, there are home health care agencies in Milwaukee, WI, that can meet your needs. Poor Personal Hygiene Bathing can be a challenge for seniors. It can require a great deal of time and physical exertion, and as your parents’ joints and muscles weaken, they may be unable to maintain their usual level of personal cleanliness. You may notice that your parent has poor body odor, unwashed or greasy hair, or bad breath and dirty teeth. These uncharacteristic drops in personal hygiene may be signs that she or he needs assistance. Noticeable Bruises and Burns Though they can be difficult to spot, bruises indicate that your parent may be falling around the house. These falls may result from difficulty balancing or walking. When a parent begins to have problems with mobility, it could be time to get help. Similarly, burns on the hands or arms may show that your parent is becoming distracted or forgetful when cooking, which can be dangerous when left unmonitored. Unopened Mail While unopened junk mail probably shouldn’t be cause for alarm, unopened and unpaid bills may be. Check for stacks of letters with late payment notices or bounced checks. These are strong signs that your parent is becoming forgetful and neglecting important responsibilities. Forgotten Medication Unopened letters are a minor concern in relation to forgotten pills. If you notice that your parent is not taking daily medications, this is a strong sign that you should seek assistance. Forgetfulness is one of the signs of early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s, and any indication that your parent is regularly forgetting important daily activities should be a red flag. Dirty House Poor home upkeep can indicate an inability to complete basic physical tasks. Before entering the house, check if the grass is cut and whether or not weeds are taking over the lawn. These tasks require physical strength and energy that your parent may no longer have. Inside the house, look for piles of dirty laundry or unwashed dishes. You can also look for carpet stains that show your parent has been regularly dropping and spilling things. Each of these physical clues may be hints your parent needs more help. Unusual Behavior Frequent changes in mood, motivation, and personality can be indicators of cognitive impairment. Along with looking for signs of forgetfulness, also be weary of a sudden lack of drive or stamina. Take notice if your parent is failing to answer your calls or is verbally or physically abusive with you or others. You should also note if your parent is losing reasoning skills, experiencing frequent mood swings, or having difficulty performing regular tasks. Many of these are signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive diseases that you should be aware of. If you have noticed any of these signs, your first step should be talking with your parents about these care needs and helping them to identify the problem. You’ll then want to work with them to brainstorm solutions, which may include looking into home care. Though it’s a tough decision, you’ll find that there are home health care agencies in Milwaukee, WI, that provide the services you need.
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