Among a group of senior friends who gather annually for a Friendsgiving meal before Thanksgiving with their families, one aging gentleman widower appeared noticeably unkempt. He had not shaved, his shirt and pants were soiled and unlaundered, and he smelled of body odor, rather than the fragrant cologne he once wore.
The man’s friends did not say anything to him, but they did have a conversation with each other about their concern for the man’s health and well-being.
Men can be exceptionally stoic about their personal lives, and they hesitate to share their feelings with family and friends to prevent being seen as weak and needy. However, during the holidays at celebrations with family and friends, I suggest you proactively pay attention to your senior loved ones and notice if any of the following 10 key indicators of senior needs exist. If you do notice something is amiss with those you love, plan a private conversation with them to gain a better understanding of how they are doing mentally and physically.
Even subtle changes could be indicative of a senior in need of assistance. One of my resources, aPlaceforMom, has compiled a comprehensive list of scenarios that could be signs that a senior needs some help.
- Poor hygiene. You might notice your aging senior loved one may not be showering, brushing their teeth, or doing laundry. They may also have given up on appearances by wearing dirty or torn clothing, not brushing their hair, etc.
- A messy or disorganized house. You may find piled-up dishes in the sink, clothes scattered around the house, a dirty bathroom, bags of trash not being taken out, or an unruly yard.
- Poorly maintained house. You may find smoke detectors without batteries, expired fire extinguishers, broken appliances, tangled wires, and other issues that may pose danger.
- Mismanaged finances. Your senior loved one may forget to pay bills on time, receive late payment notices, or have bounced checks.
- Poorly maintained car. You may see new dents or scratches on their car from accidents. They may also forget to take their car to the shop for regular maintenance or issues that come up.
- Unhealthy eating habits. You may notice they don’t keep fresh groceries around, eat food that’s expired, or cook less. They may also be experiencing a change in appetite, causing an unhealthy amount of weight loss or gain.
- Mood changes or swings. You may see that your senior loved one acts differently towards you or others. You may also notice some signs of depression, loneliness, or a lack of interest in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy.
- Forgetfulness or confusion. They may forget to take their medications, refill their prescriptions on time, or go to doctors’ appointments. They may also find themselves confused when doing routine tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, or driving.
- Trouble getting up. Your aging loved one may struggle when they sit or get up.
- Unexplained bruises or injuries. You may see bruises, scratches, cuts, or signs of limping due to accidents or falls around the house.
A perfectly matched Home Helpers caregiver can assist with personal care and practically all of these needs to keep your special senior someone happy, healthy, safe, and independent for as long as possible. If any of our in-home care services would benefit you or a senior you love, I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to discuss matters and create a customized care plan to help make life easier, healthier, and happier.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2016-2022 and the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2022. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ (727) 240-3059
Source:
aPlaceforMom
