11 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

September 13, 2021

As a child of an aging parent, it’s sometimes hard to know when and how to help. Many seniors try to keep doing daily activities—even after they become a struggle. When an elderly parent needs help, often they will worry that they’ll be a bother by asking others. Even more, they may be hesitant to admit they can’t do what they could before.

That’s why it is so important to watch for signs your parent may need extra care. As their abilities change, you certainly want to keep them safe and protect their well-being. Be on the lookout for these 11 signs it may be time for more support.

When your parent needs additional care

If your elderly parent needs help, you may only notice small signs or changes at first. Look for small differences in physical health or mental health. If they are struggling to care for themself, it may also affect the upkeep of their home or their appearance.

Watch for these 11 signs:

• More injuries – You’ve noticed your loved one has more cuts or bruises than usual. Or your parent has fallen.
• Trouble getting up and down – They have a hard time getting up from their chair or sitting down.
• Meal habits – Your loved one doesn’t cook and only eats packaged meals or snacks. You’ve noticed they seem to be losing weight.
• Depression – Your elderly parent is showing signs of depression, like changes in their outlook on life, being irritable, or no longer laughing or smiling.
• Withdrawing socially – They no longer enjoy their favorite hobbies or pastimes. You can’t remember the last time they went out.
• Forgetting items – You’ve noticed your loved one often forgets everyday items like their keys or wallet.
• Changes in emotions – Others have told you your loved one is acting differently toward them. Or major mood swings are affecting their relationship with you.
• Unsure about daily tasks – Your parent must focus harder to do simple daily tasks or seems like they’ve forgotten how to do them.
• Hygiene and appearance – They wear clothes that need repair or wear the same clothes without washing them. They don’t keep up with hygiene like they used to.
• Home in need of repairs – You’ve noticed they no longer keep up with simple home repairs like broken appliances or changing a light bulb.
• Unclean home – Their home isn’t kept up like it used to be. You notice their home seems dirty or isn’t as picked up as usual.

Get the right care when your elderly parent needs help

If these 11 signs sound familiar, it may be time to find a safer environment for your parent. If you’re worried that they may refuse to accept help, get others involved. For example, the AARP says to ask your loved one’s health care provider for help. That way, you’ll have trusted advice on how to care for your parent’s well-being and health moving forward.

The caregivers at Parkwood Health help your parent get the care and support they need to thrive again. From assistance for daily living to health services, we help give you peace of mind that your parent has the help they need. Contact us today to navigate your options for an elderly parent that needs more care.