Home Instead Senior Care
Louisville East & Oldham County

It’s that time of year again… The holidays are upon us! They sneak up on us every year, leaving us scrounging for last minute gifts and the recipe for Grandma’s famous stuffing. This year, as you make plans to visit out of town family or senior friends, pay a little extra attention. The holidays are a great time to check for signs indicating your aging loved ones may need a little extra help.

 

It’s not unusual for the phones at senior care companies to ring off the hook in early January. That’s when adult children seek advice after seeing troubling changes in their parents or other senior loved ones during family get-togethers. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 warning signs that seniors need help. These signs, along with others, can indicate physical and mental impairments that require immediate attention, such as dementia, depression, malnutrition, vision and hearing loss, arthritis joint problems, as well as other serious age-related issues.

 

When home, make doctors appointments and arrange transportation for your elderly family members. Don’t forget to consult with your local agency on aging and other senior care experts either. Seniors may not like to admit something is wrong, but assure them there are other alternatives, including utilizing an in-home care or companionship service to assist with daily chores and to serve as a second set of eyes when family members are unable to be there. Assistance with simple tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication reminders can often mean the difference between staying independent and moving to a facility.

 

For more information on signs that your loved one needs help, or to inquire about in home care for your aging loved one, call Home Instead Senior Care at 502-515-9515. And as always, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season.

 

 

 

 

10 Warning Signs That Seniors Need Help

 

1. Clutter.   Are bills piling up? Is the house unkempt or the yard overgrown?
2. Personal Appearance.   Are their clothes stained and dirty? Are they neglecting their personal hygiene?
3. Bruises.   Are there bruises that may indicate problems with balance? Are they unable or unwilling to walk long distances or down stairs? 
4.  Weight Loss.   Are they losing weight? Is an illness or mobility issue preventing them from eating properly?
5. Mood Changes.   Do they seem withdrawn or blue? Are their moods drastically different? Do they appear unsettled and out of sorts?
6. Isolation.   Are they forgoing social outings with friends or skipping church services and doctors appointments?
7. Scorched Pots and Pans.   Is forgetfulness or dementia causing the senior to neglect dinner cooking on the stove?
8. Stained carpets and floors.   Are there food and drink stains on floors indicating mobility problems?
9. Spoiled food.   Is there spoiled or expired food in the refrigerator, freezer or cupboards? Are seniors neglecting proper nutrition by purchasing convenience foods?
10. Medications.   Are they taking their medications? Are medications expired? Are they forgetting to refill medications?