Aging is difficult. Getting older is both a luxury and tiresome. It can be difficult for aging people to admit they need help, especially if they are used to being independent. A time will come when we will all need extra help as we age. Below you will find signs it is time to get extra help.
Change in Mental State
If you or your loved one are experiencing mental decline because of age, it could be time to get extra help. As we age, we can become forgetful, and while it may seem like it’s not a big deal at first, it can be dangerous. A change in mental state can include mood swings and difficulty keeping track of time. Not remembering how to do simple tasks is also cause for concern. Forgetfulness can become serious when you forget to take your medication. This can be dangerous because one of two things can happen: you forget to take it all together, or you forget you’ve taken it and double up.
Neglecting Chores and Personal Needs
An aging person neglecting themselves and their home could be concerning. When a person overlooks the things they once took pride in, like a clean home and their appearance, something is wrong. Signs of neglect are not buying food, not feeding their pets, poor personal hygiene, and not tidying up their home. A messy home is dangerous for the elderly because they can trip over things and injure themselves. Another sign of neglect is weight loss. Without someone watching them and ensuring they get enough to eat, they may eat too little throughout the day. On the other hand, they may overeat junk food. They need someone with them to guarantee they get the right amount of food with enough vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy body and mind.
Isolating Themselves
Becoming less socially active and choosing to stay home is cause for concern. This is especially true if they live alone. When aging people isolate themselves from their family and friends, it could lead to dementia and depression. They have a higher death rate when they are lonely. An assisted living facility is a great way to give aging people the care they need while still allowing them to be social and interact with others.
A Struggling Caregiver
Being a caregiver is tough, even though people don’t think it is. Caring for another person can be exhausting. If a caregiver shows signs of exhaustion, depression, or anxiety, consider getting more help. You can’t fully take care of someone if you don’t care for yourself. And sometimes, the best way to care for the elderly is to admit you need help.
Asking for help is difficult for most people. If the aging person in your life is reluctant to seek help, you may need to take charge. Introduce the idea slowly. Maybe a start with one day a week and then slowly add more. The important thing is to get them the help they need.
