When is it time to consider getting care for your parents?

When is it time to consider getting care for your parents?

If you are asking yourself the question, you have already started to see signs.

Acting before a crisis allows your parents to retain their independence, be part of the decision, and have a say in their care.

It is time to consider Home Care when your parents are having challenges with daily tasks or health issues that are preventing them from daily tasks.

These can all be signs that it’s time to start the conversation of getting care and help!

Common Warning Signs to Watch For

Nutrition Concerns: Forgetting to eat, unexpected weight loss, and expired foods in refrigerator or pantry. Are your loved ones only relying on unhealthy, processed foods?

Difficulty with Daily Tasks: Struggling with bathing, dressing, wearing the same clothes, or neglecting personal hygiene. Are your parents wearing the same clothes for days or is their hair unkempt? Forgetting to take their medications?

Safety and Mobility Changes: Unsteady on their feet, difficulty with stairs and getting out of a chair or bed, unexplained falls or bruises. Have they stopped engaging socially with others?

Cognitive Changes: Forgetting to take medications, wandering, becoming confused in familiar places like church, grocery store, etc. 

Household Neglect: Unpaid bills, missed appointments, or a change in home’s cleanliness. Are the dishes piling up, laundry not done, or dust accumulating?

Excessive Sleeping and Reduced Activity Levels can also be a sign that help is needed. Have your loved one stopped doing their hobbies or activities they once enjoyed? Are they avoiding friends and family?

How to Start the Conversation

Next step would be to bring up the need for care with your loved one. Know that it is a sensitive topic and it needs to be approached with care and understanding. Your parents are used to taking care of you and everyone else, it is hard for them to admit that they need a little help too.

If you are considering professional care services, contact Amada Senior Care Chester County to answer your questions, and even help get the conversation started with your loved one.