Like most older adults, your father has always been a proud and independent man. But ever since Mom died, something’s changed. Dad seems depressed, his hygiene isn’t the best, and the house is always a mess. Your hectic schedule makes it nearly impossible to provide your father with the nurturing that he deserves. Should you talk to him about getting a “personal assistant?” Here are five telltale signs that professional home care might just be “what the doctor ordered” when your aging loved one’s health and well-being are at stake.
Why Are Seniors Hesitant to Accept Help?
Like your father, the average senior has spent their life managing a household and various jobs. As a result, most don’t want to be lectured by others about how to manage their affairs – notably their grown children.
Many independent seniors reject the idea of home care for reasons like:
- Denial
- Privacy concerns
- Embarrassment
- Pride and dignity
- Stubbornness
- Apathy
Confusion and memory loss resulting from dementia or Alzheimer’s can further cloud a senior’s judgment. Once your loved one starts undergoing cognitive changes it oftentimes becomes even more challenging to convince them to accept help inside their home.
Does Your Loved One Have these Signs?
If you suspect that that special senior in your life is struggling with functional limitations, look for these 5 warning signs:
Physical limitations
Gaining or losing too much weight, wearing the same clothes every day, and poor hygiene are all signs that your father needs assistance. Cognitive indicators like memory loss, confusion, and forgetfulness could indicate the onset of dementia.
If poor mobility is bringing your loved one’s quality of life down, volunteer to assist them around the house by preparing meals, doing laundry, paying bills, etc. If you suspect that Dad has mild cognitive impairment, take him to the doctor for further evaluation.
Frequent falls
Fall-related injuries send millions of seniors to hospital emergency departments every year. Vision changes, poorly lit hallways, and slippery bathroom surfaces are all fall hazards for aging-in-place adults.
If your father has fallen several times recently, here’s how to help:
- Create clutter-free pathways throughout the home.
- Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom and on both sides of the stairs.
- Take Dad to the eye doctor.
- Work with an occupational therapist to create a safer home environment.
Not socializing enough
Depression, anxiety, and dementia keep many seniors from socializing as they should. On the other hand, older adults that stay socially engaged tend to enjoy happier, healthier, and even longer lives than those who are lonely and isolated.
Talk to your father about activities he might enjoy, for example, those available at the local senior center. Teach him how to use the latest technologies, like video chats, online communities, and social media to stay in touch with old friends – or make new ones. Better yet, let Dad know how much he’s loved with a weekly phone call!
Driving challenges
If Dad has gotten several tickets or been in multiple accidents, it’s probably a good idea to have “the talk” about driving safety. Suspicious dents and scrapes on his vehicle could also be a sign that it’s time to turn over the car keys for good. Before respectfully discussing the topic with your loved one, find them reliable transportation alternatives.
Unfinished personal business
Stacks of past-due bills could indicate that your father has trouble managing his finances. Offer to become a custodian on Dad’s bank and credit card accounts, which will also help protect him from financial scammers. If he hasn’t already done so, encourage Dad to prepare a will and to choose someone as his durable power-of-attorney (POA).
Flexible In-Home Care for Seniors in South Bend, IN
Once they’ve agreed to accept help, finding the best in-home elder care provider for your loved one isn’t always easy. At Senior1Care, our dedicated, compassionate professionals deliver exceptional care to individuals seeking dependable ways to maintain their independent lifestyles. In business since 2006, our unique scope of services ranges from personal care and household services to dementia care, family consultation, and geriatric care counseling.
We are a local, family-owned, and operated home care company with services that can be uniquely tailored to meet each individual client’s needs. To learn more about Senior1Care now or schedule an assessment for a senior in South Bend, IN, today, please visit us at www.senior1care.com.
