As our loved ones age, we may start to wonder if they can care for themselves. Their ability to manage daily tasks may start to falter. However, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to continue living independently.
Continue reading for 10 signs that it may be time to consider in home assistance for your loved one. Additionally we will explore how tools such as a medication organizer with timer can help them age in place safely.
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10 Signs Your Loved One Needs Added Care
- Changes in appearance, (unkempt or inappropriately dressed for weather/occasion)
- Forgetting to put on glasses or hearing aides
- Drastic/Sudden weight gain or loss
- Difficulty moving about- they may be having a hard time getting up and out of a chair for example
- Uncleanliness or household tasks going unattended
- Stacks of mail or unpaid bills
- Lack of food or spoiled food
- Medications not filled or out of date
- Changes in mood or personality/ memory loss or confusion
- Safety hazards such as leaving stove or iron on and walking away
All of these are warning signs that more help may be needed for your aging loved one. So, what can you do to help?
Best Places to Start
There are some immediate actions you can take to make things easier for them. Here are some suggestions so that you can more easily introduce help without making your loved one feel overwhelmed:
- A medication organizer with timer to assist them in taking needed medications
- Arranging shower chair and/or Grab bar for the shower- these are easy to install and removable- no permanent changes to the room!
- Utilizing a fall risk alert or personal emergency response system
- Setting up transportation service to help them get to appointments,
- Set up direct deposits and auto pay for their recurring bills, or hire a daily money manager to help manage their finances
- Set up direct deposit orauto pay for their recurring bills and/or hiring a daily money manager to help your loved one manage their finances
Any of these will help to ease them into the idea of additional help without undermining their independence. However, emphasize to your loved one that you are taking these steps to help ensure that he or she maintains their independence and is able to age in place long term. Also, Your loved one might be more willing to accept help if they know it gives you peace of mind.
Perhaps, creating a list with next steps that they are in agreement to is a good way to ensure a plan will be executed.
Click HERE to find out more about making a plan for your Loved Ones future care.