Do you have concerns about leaving your elderly parents to live alone? Worried that they might fall, forget basic self-care, or have trouble going to familiar places? It may be time to discuss whether or not to move your elderly parents into a retirement community. These are some signs to look out for to keep your loved ones free from any danger.
They Tend to Misplace Things
Forgetfulness among aging parents is different as compared to adults. If you notice your loved ones misplacing things such as their personal belongings or arranging items in strange places, this might be a sign that your elderly parents are at risk of memory loss.
They Get Lost Traveling to Familiar Places
If your loved ones are struggling to navigate their way to the grocery store or the bank that they frequent many times before, it may be a concern as frequently getting lost could be a sign of dementia. It may be time to consider moving them into a retirement community if you are concerned about your loved one’s ability to travel.
They Struggle with Basic Self-Care
It can be difficult for your aging parents to remember the basic steps of taking a shower or brushing their teeth. If you start to notice their poor hygiene habits, it may mean that they lack the energy to shower, or in some cases, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
If you notice their sudden weight loss, it could indicate that they are not eating well due to loss of appetite or is unable to cook proper meals due to physical discomfort or weariness. Similarly, if they are experiencing sudden weight gain, it may mean that they are relying too much on processed or convenience food.
They Are Prone to Falling
You should pay close attention to your elderly parent’s movement. If they are taking smaller steps, hobbling, or are shuffling their feet, it may mean that they are wary of falling. Additionally, if they are constantly using the wall to balance themselves, this could be a sign of weakness or lack of balance. Inexplicable bruises on your loved one’s skin may be the result of falls.
They Get Exhausted Easily
Sleep is essential for both cognitive and physical performance, especially for your aging parents, and skipping out on their much-needed sleep can exacerbate your loved one’s condition. If your elderly parent’s lack of sleep appears to be affecting their health, you may want to consider extra supervision or assistance to aid them with their sleeping problems.
Keep Your Elderly Parents Safe at SummerHouse Heritage Woods
At SummerHouse Heritage Woods, we offer exclusive senior living programs that are designed to help our residents stay active, engaged, and connected. We have made it easier for our residents to benefit from our available 24-hour care service and worry-free lifestyle through our two senior living options, Assisted Living and our personalized Memory Care.
