5 Signs Your Parent Might Need Extra Support at Home

As our parents grow older, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need becomes increasingly important. While it can be challenging to acknowledge that they may need extra help, recognizing the signs early can significantly enhance their quality of life. Here are five signs that your parents might need extra support at home and how services like Sanitus Health can help address these issues.

1. Declining Personal Hygiene

One of the most common indicators that your parents might need additional support is a noticeable decline in personal hygiene. This can include issues such as:

• Neglecting bathing or grooming: If your parents start to look disheveled or emit an unpleasant odor, they may be struggling to maintain their hygiene.

• Wearing dirty or wrinkled clothes: Clothes that are stained, shabby, or not suited for the season can be a sign of difficulty in handling laundry or dressing appropriately.

• Dental issues: Bad breath or neglected dental care might signify difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene.

Sanitus Health Solution: Sanitus Health offers trained caregivers who can assist with daily hygiene routines, ensuring your parents maintain their personal care and dignity.

2. Changes in Mobility

Another crucial sign is a change in their ability to move around safely. This can manifest as:

• Frequent falls or near-falls: If your parent is experiencing falls, it may be due to weakened muscles, balance issues, or other health conditions.

• Difficulty climbing stairs or getting out of bed: Struggling with daily tasks that involve movement is a clear indication that they might need assistance.

• Using furniture or walls for balance: This may indicate they’re having trouble with mobility and might benefit from physical therapy or assistive devices.

Sanitus Health Solution: Sanitus Health provides mobility assistance by helping your parents with daily activities and recommending safety modifications in the home to prevent falls and injuries.

3. Memory Problems

Cognitive decline can be another indicator that your parents might need extra support. Be on the lookout for signs such as:

• Forgetting appointments or important dates: If your parent frequently forgets commitments, it might indicate a problem with memory.

• Repeating questions or stories: This can be a sign of short-term memory loss.

• Misplacing items or putting them in unusual places: Not being able to find everyday items or discovering them in strange spots can indicate cognitive issues.

Sanitus Health Solution: Sanitus Health caregivers are trained to assist with memory care, providing reminders for appointments and medications, and ensuring a safe and structured environment.

4. Poor Nutrition and Weight Loss

Nutrition is vital for maintaining health, particularly as we age. Signs that your parent might be struggling with proper nutrition include:

• Sudden weight loss: Unintended weight loss can indicate that they are not eating properly.

• Expired or spoiled food in the fridge: This might suggest difficulty in grocery shopping or preparing meals.

• Skipping meals: Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as eating less or skipping meals, can be a sign of physical or emotional challenges.

Sanitus Health Solution: Sanitus Health provides meal preparation services, ensuring your parents receive balanced, nutritious meals tailored to their dietary needs.

5. Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Emotional and behavioral changes can signal that your parents are having difficulty coping with daily life. Look for:

• Social withdrawal: If they are avoiding social interactions or activities they once enjoyed, it could indicate loneliness or depression.

• Mood swings: Sudden or extreme changes in mood, including increased irritability or sadness, should not be ignored.

• Neglecting household chores: A once-tidy home becoming cluttered or dirty can suggest that they are overwhelmed or disinterested in maintaining it.

Sanitus Health Solution: Sanitus Health offers companionship services and emotional support, helping your parents stay socially engaged and connected with their community.

Recognizing these signs early can help ensure that your parents receive the necessary support to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Whether it’s through hiring professional caregivers, modifying their living space, or simply being more involved, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in their well-being. Services like those provided by Sanitus Health are invaluable in ensuring your parent receives the care and support they need.

If you have noticed any of these signs in your parents, it might be time to explore additional support options to help them maintain their quality of life. Checking out services provided by Sanitus Health could be a beneficial step in this direction.

Do you check in on your parents daily? Put your answer in the comment section below.