5 Signs That an Elderly Loved One Needs Assistance

The number of seniors in America is expected to double to 95 million by 2060! Is your loved one part of this growing demographic? As your loved one ages, you may notice some troubling changes.

Perhaps their mood and behavior are changing. Or they may struggle with driving, hygiene, and daily living.

Wondering how to identify if your elderly loved one needs more assistance? Read on for the top five signs you’ll want to step in.

1. Falls and Injuries

If you notice your loved one seems to be falling more, they need assistance. This could range from living in a facility or having a care worker come to check on them.

Your loved one may feel embarrassed about falling. They may worry they’ll lose their independence.

Keep an eye out for injuries if they’re not telling you about falls. Look for bruises, scratches, or other signs of distress.

2. Driving Issues

Deciding if it’s time to stop driving is an intense step for seniors. They may not want to stop driving, as this limits their mobility.

However, if your loved one is getting into accidents, you’ll want to look into assistance. They may be having trouble remembering what to do when driving. Or their senses and reflexes may be impaired.

3. Change in Behavior

If you start to notice signs of aggression or irritation, they may be suffering from dementia. This can impact their ability to take care of themselves or stay safe.

In this case, they’ll benefit from staying at a memory care facility. They’ll have secure and safe living spaces, as well as 24/7 care.

Behavior change could also be a sign of depression. Many seniors feel alone and far from their families. Assisted living can help them with feelings of isolation.

4. Hygiene Issues

How do you know if your loved one needs help managing daily living? You may notice they seem to struggle with keeping their home tidy. Their food may be past the due date in the fridge.

They may struggle to shower regularly. In this case, help at home is a great assistance option.

A caretaker can come and help check on them. The carer can help them bathe, clean, and take care of household tasks.

5. Medication and Medical Conditions

Is your loved one struggling to manage their medications? Are they suffering from an injury or illness? In this case, you may want to work with senior assistance.

Elderly care experts can help you come up with a care plan. This may include help at home or assisted living facilities. Either way, you’ll be sure your loved one receives adequate care.

Looking Out for Your Loved One

Taking care of your loved one can present a unique challenge. They may want to feel independent but struggle with daily living.

If you notice they are struggling with falls, driving issues, and other complaints, it may be time to step in. Together you can come up with a plan for adequate care.

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