Your senior’s circumstances can change a lot more quickly than you realize. Some of these subtle indicators could clue you in that changes are happening.
Mail Is Piling Up
Everybody has those days when mail sits around for a bit, but if your elderly family member is starting to have piles and piles of mail, that’s a bad sign. The big problem is that bills and other important mail is probably getting neglected while it’s piled up. You might ask your senior if you can take over her mail for her, which can be a huge help.
Her Food Stores Are Lower
Grocery shopping, cooking, and just generally dealing with meals and food can be more than your senior can handle these days. Take a peek in her fridge, freezer, and pantry. What you’re looking for are signs that she’s regularly going to the grocery store, that she’s got plenty of healthy food, and that she’s not letting expired food stack up. If you notice issues, you need to take action.
Her Home Is Dirtier than Usual
When you look around, are you noticing that your senior’s home isn’t as clean as it usually is? That might have to do with how much energy she’s able to devote to cleaning up these days. If she’s not feeling well or she’s simply not able to keep up, then her daily housekeeping tasks are getting to be too much for her. It’s possible that it’s time for someone else to step in.
She Doesn’t Seem to Be Taking Care of Herself
Some aging adults have a difficult time maintaining themselves, too. She might start to wear the same clothes over and over again or you might notice that she’s not washing her hair as often. In extreme cases, body odor can start to become a problem. You might need to gently talk with your elderly family member about what’s going on. If taking care of her personal care tasks is becoming too difficult, you can help.
Her Car Looks Damaged
Your senior’s car is another place you can look for clues. Vehicles need to be maintained and if your senior is having trouble driving, her car will tell the tale. A little bit of extra road dirt might not mean much, but dings and dents that are more frequent than usual can be a big sign. It might be time to talk to your senior about her driving habits.
You may not be able to keep up with every single change in your senior’s life and that’s perfectly normal. Elderly care providers can help both you and your senior to stay aware of her needs and the different ways in which she might be needing more assistance than she did.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Mail Is Piling Up
Everybody has those days when mail sits around for a bit, but if your elderly family member is starting to have piles and piles of mail, that’s a bad sign. The big problem is that bills and other important mail is probably getting neglected while it’s piled up. You might ask your senior if you can take over her mail for her, which can be a huge help.
Her Food Stores Are Lower
Grocery shopping, cooking, and just generally dealing with meals and food can be more than your senior can handle these days. Take a peek in her fridge, freezer, and pantry. What you’re looking for are signs that she’s regularly going to the grocery store, that she’s got plenty of healthy food, and that she’s not letting expired food stack up. If you notice issues, you need to take action.
Her Home Is Dirtier than Usual
When you look around, are you noticing that your senior’s home isn’t as clean as it usually is? That might have to do with how much energy she’s able to devote to cleaning up these days. If she’s not feeling well or she’s simply not able to keep up, then her daily housekeeping tasks are getting to be too much for her. It’s possible that it’s time for someone else to step in.
She Doesn’t Seem to Be Taking Care of Herself
Some aging adults have a difficult time maintaining themselves, too. She might start to wear the same clothes over and over again or you might notice that she’s not washing her hair as often. In extreme cases, body odor can start to become a problem. You might need to gently talk with your elderly family member about what’s going on. If taking care of her personal care tasks is becoming too difficult, you can help.
Her Car Looks Damaged
Your senior’s car is another place you can look for clues. Vehicles need to be maintained and if your senior is having trouble driving, her car will tell the tale. A little bit of extra road dirt might not mean much, but dings and dents that are more frequent than usual can be a big sign. It might be time to talk to your senior about her driving habits.
You may not be able to keep up with every single change in your senior’s life and that’s perfectly normal. Elderly care providers can help both you and your senior to stay aware of her needs and the different ways in which she might be needing more assistance than she did.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.