Signs Your Aging Parent May Need More Support

The golden years should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but aging can bring challenges that make it difficult for seniors to maintain their independence. As loving children, we want our parents to age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes. However, it’s crucial to recognize when they might need additional help to ensure their safety, well-being, and quality of life.

Here are key signs to watch for that could indicate your aging parent may require more support:

Physical and Cognitive Changes:

Difficulty With Daily Tasks

Notice if they struggle with basic activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, grooming, or preparing meals. This could indicate declining physical strength, mobility issues, or cognitive impairment. Be sure to also pay attention to whether they have trouble walking, getting up from a chair, or navigating stairs. And look for signs like holding onto furniture for support, shuffling their feet, or experiencing frequent falls.

Difficulty Managing Medications

If your parent has trouble remembering to take medications, understanding dosages, or refilling prescriptions, it might be time to consider assistance with medication management. Mistakes with medications can have serious health consequences, so ensure they’re taking their medications correctly and safely.

Unexplained Bruises or Injuries

Frequent falls or unexplained injuries could suggest problems with balance, vision, medication side effects, or even potential neglect or abuse. If you notice bruises or cuts that your parent can’t explain, investigate further and ensure their safety.

Forgetfulness and Confusion

Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but frequent memory lapses, confusion about dates or places, or difficulty following conversations could signal a more serious cognitive issue like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Pay attention to whether they repeat questions, misplace items frequently, or have trouble remembering recent events.

Changes in Behavior or Habits:

Changes in Appearance or Hygiene

Noticeable weight loss or gain, unkempt appearance, or neglected personal hygiene could indicate physical limitations, depression, other health concerns, or a decline in cognitive function. These changes can be distressing, but addressing them early on can help improve their overall well-being.

Increased Social Isolation or Withdrawal

If your parent is becoming increasingly isolated, withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities, or expressing feelings of loneliness, it could signal a need for increased social interaction and support. Social isolation can negatively affect both mental and physical health, so encouraging social engagement is crucial.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Noticeable changes in personality, increased irritability, or signs of depression or anxiety warrant attention and potential intervention. These could be symptoms of underlying health conditions, medication side effects, or emotional struggles. If you notice significant changes in their mood or behavior, consult with their doctor to rule out any medical causes and explore treatment options.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

If your parent is having trouble sleeping, sleeping too much, or experiencing frequent nightmares, it could signify a health issue, medication side effects, or emotional distress. Address sleep disturbances to ensure their overall well-being and cognitive function.

Neglected Home Maintenance

A cluttered, dirty, or unsafe home environment could signify difficulty keeping up with housework, which could be the result of physical limitations, cognitive decline, or depression.

Changes in Driving Habits

Notice if your parent is getting lost frequently, having minor accidents, or exhibiting signs of anxiety or confusion while driving. This could indicate vision problems, cognitive decline, or medication side effects that compromise their ability to drive safely. It might be time to discuss alternative transportation options or consider a driving assessment.

Unpaid Bills or Financial Difficulties

Late payment notices, unpaid bills, or unusual financial decisions could be signs of cognitive decline, difficulty managing finances, or potential exploitation. Monitor their financial situation and help if needed, perhaps by helping them set up automatic bill pay or reviewing their bank statements regularly.

 

Noticing these signs doesn’t necessarily mean your parent needs to move to a nursing home. Many resources and support services are available to help seniors age in place safely and comfortably. If you’re concerned about your aging parent’s well-being, talk to them openly and honestly about your observations. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and getting support early on can help preserve your parent’s independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Contact us to learn more about making your parents’ retirements as safe and rewarding as possible. Our financial planning experts are here to help.

 

Content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of WesBanco.

While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today.