How are your aging parents doing on their own?

The beginning of the holiday season can be so exciting and also worrisome with aging parents. You worry about them being lonely and participating in the holiday. However, the biggest worry is how are they doing living on their own. As you gather for this holiday season, here are 5 signs to look for that could indicate your aging loved one or parents might need to consider assisted living. 

5 Signs That Maybe Your Aging Parents Need Different Living Arrangements

1. Forgetfulness or Confusion 

People in general can get confused from time to time but when aging parents are faced with confusion that is not age-related, it can be a red flag that mom or dad have some mental issues that might need addressed. For example, if mom or dad cannot remember how to get to the store or to take their medication, it can be a sign that maybe they have some type of dementia and testing could help. You do not need to embarrass your loved one; however, noticing there is an issue before they get hurt is important.

2. Lack of Personal Hygiene

One sure sign that your parents or aging loved one is struggling is the lack of personal hygiene or their clothes looking tattered and unkempt. For example, maybe you notice mom or dad wearing the same thing over and over, or their clothing is soiled and smells unclean. Maybe, you notice that they have not brushed their teeth or their hair and appear like they do not care about hygiene or cleanliness. This is very much a warning that maybe they need some help to stay on top of their health and cleanliness.

3. The House is in Disarray or Lacking Maintenance

Another sign that maybe mom or dad cannot live alone is the house is messy. There could be several papers scattered about and dishes left all over the counter or even the lawn being overgrown and not maintained. These are just a few signs that maybe help is needed or that mom or dad need a new living situation to stay safe and healthy.

4. Eating Habits are Not Very Regular or Healthy

When aging parents or loved ones do not care about the type of food (healthy or junk food) or the condition of food (expired), then you should be alarmed if they are taking care of themselves and able to live on their own. Oftentimes, when the diet starts to wane it is a sign that they are forgetting to check their food or to eat to promote healthy living. The holidays can possibly serve as a time to have that broach discussion with parents and siblings if handled delicately. 

5. Unexplained Bruises or Injuries

Scratches, cuts and bruises on your loved one are a sign they are possibly falling or running into things which could cause them harm. It is difficult for aging parents to discuss what happened, as they are embarrassed or don’t remember. 

Finally, the holiday season is here; so, it is a good time to examine the living situation for your aging parents and loved ones. The above signs are some of the most common issues you might need to discuss with family and make some decisions on the current living situation. Having the conversation can be the most difficult part, but if handled with care you can start mapping out the next options of living healthy and happy while being safe and cared for. 

Watching your parents age is not always easy.  If you notice your aging loved one is ready for a new chapter in life, we are ready to make that process easier for you. Contact Ann Jamison at Senior Living Options. Ann is experienced and willing to help you every step of the way in making the next chapter in aging doable with care, ease, and options.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.