July 30, 2021
While many signs of aging are normal, your parent or loved one may also show signs of aging that can be concerning. No one wants to admit when their parents may need help taking care of themselves. But identifying potential age-related health concerns early-on can help your parents get the help they need as soon as they need it. What should you be paying attention to?
Changes in the Cleanliness and Organization of Their Home
Cleaning can be a challenge for some older adults if they’re mobility has changed. For older adults with moderate to severe mobility, cleaning can present a situation where your loved one is at risk of injury.
Common signs that your loved one may need help cleaning their home include:
- Garbage that’s piling up
- Dirty dishes all around the house
- Unfolded clean laundry or piles of dirty clothes
- A lawn is overgrown and full of weeds
Withdrawal From Activities That Used to Interest Them
If your parent or loved one has lost interest in activities that they used to enjoy, or they no longer attend these activities, try to understand why. By isolating themselves, they could be increasing their risk of depression. Common reasons that older adults stop doing the things they enjoy include:
- Changes in mobility
- Ability to drive
- Lack of motivation, referred to as anhedonia
Unintentional Weight Loss
If your loved one has lost weight without trying, this could be a cause for concern. Weight loss in aging adults can be contributed to:
- Cooking less
- Loss of taste or smell
- Loss of mobility which keeps them from going to the grocery store
- An underlying condition, like dementia
Forgetfulness
Everyone is forgetful from time to time, and memory problems are normal as we get older. Also, certain medications can contribute to memory loss. However, the signs of normal memory loss due to aging are different from the signs of disabling memory loss caused by conditions like dementia. Common signs of disabling memory loss include:
- Being confused about time
- Being confused about people or places
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Asking the same questions over and over again
Poor Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene tends to decline with age. There are many reasons that older adults may develop poor hygiene. They may be:
- Afraid of falling in the tub and injuring themselves
- Physically unable to perform their hygiene routine
- Depressed
JSP Home Health Care Services Help Older Adults Age in Place
If your parent or senior loved one is showing signs of age-related changes and they need help at home or caring for themselves, JSP Home Health Care Services can help. Learn more about geriatric home health care with JSP Home Health Care Services here. To schedule an initial consultation, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
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