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It’s hard to watch the people we love grow older. As they get older, it can become difficult for them to take care of themselves and do things they once did easily. It can be challenging when you want to help your aging parents but don’t know where or how to start. This blog post will share seven signs and tips on how you can best help your aging parents so that their lives are more manageable!
Hearing Difficulties
One of the earliest signs that your parents are getting older is difficulty hearing. This can manifest itself in many ways, such as not being able to hear people when they’re talking quietly or having trouble understanding what others are saying. If you think that your parents may be experiencing hearing difficulties, encourage them to see an Audiologist who can run tests and provide a diagnosis. Be sure to speak loudly and clearly when communicating with them, as not to make them feel uncomfortable until they have been to see an Audiologist.
Visual Problems
Another early sign of aging is trouble seeing. This may manifest itself in a few different ways, such as not being able to clearly see things far away or having difficulty reading the newspaper or watching TV. Encourage your parents to make an appointment with their Optometrist and get prescription glasses if needed so they can continue to read and see clearly! When your parents struggle to see, ensure that you take them to their various appointments to keep them out of danger.
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Trouble Eating
Another common problem your parents may face as they get older is difficulty eating. This may be because their sense of taste and smell has diminished, they have dentures that make it hard to chew, or they’re just not as hungry as they used to be. If your aging parents are struggling with eating, you can help them by preparing healthy yet straightforward and easy-to-digest meals that won’t require a lot of chewing. You can also encourage them to eat smaller portions more often throughout the day instead of trying to force themselves to eat one large meal in the evenings. If you find that your aging parents are not getting enough nutrition from their food, you might want to consider supplementing their diet with vitamins and minerals that will ensure they’re getting all of their daily nutrients.
Memory Loss
If your parents are getting older, they will likely start to experience memory loss and other signs such as difficulty completing everyday tasks, which could be the beginning signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. This can be frustrating for them, and they should immediately seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, aging parents struggling with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can often find themselves in dangerous situations. As their loved one, you should encourage them to consider a facility such as Memory Care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia at the Catholic Care Center, where they can receive all the care, support, and safety they need.
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Mobility Issues
As our parents get older, it will only be a matter of time before they experience mobility issues. This might mean that they have trouble getting around their house, walking up and down the stairs, getting out of bed, or even just standing for an extended period. If your parents are having difficulty with mobility, it is crucial that you help them as much as possible, so they don’t injure themselves. This might include purchasing a walker or wheelchair, doing some light housework for them, helping them get to and from the grocery store or any other appointments, or hiring a home carer to assist with their day-to-day needs. A home carer will live with them and help them with all aspects of their day to ensure that they are safe and under supervision at all times.
Incontinence
One of the most common problems aging parents experience is incontinence. This might mean that they are unable to control their bladder or bowels and can lead to embarrassing accidents. If your aging parents are having problems with incontinence, ensure that you try to get them back on track by encouraging regular trips to the bathroom. If your aging parents are having trouble controlling their bladder or bowel movements, they must speak with their doctor about what kind of assistance they may need. For example, when out and about, you could encourage them to wear adult diapers in the event of an accident. Many older adults feel embarrassed wearing them, but you must explain that an accident in public would be much worse than wearing an adult diaper for a couple of hours.
Mood & Personality Changes
Another very common problem that many elderly parents experience is mood and personality changes. This might mean an increased sense of anxiety, agitation, depression, or even delusions. If your aging parents are experiencing elevated stress levels or other emotions, you can encourage them to speak with their doctor about how they can get back on track. Mood swings like these could lead the elderly person to lash out or become violent. In order to avoid any severe altercations between yourself, others, and your aging parents, you should encourage them to seek medical advice as soon as possible. This might include a change of prescription, therapy sessions, or even an antidepressant if needed.
There are many signs that aging parents may need assistance. It is crucial that you keep an eye out for these warning signs and take the necessary steps to ensure they get the help and support they need to live a happy and healthy life. If you’re not sure where to start or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance.
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