Signs Your Parents Need In-Home Care

One of the hardest and most important decisions you will have to make in life is deciding when your aging parents need a little extra help. If your parents are like most older individuals, then they will not want to leave their home. They simply do not want their independence compromised due to their aging body. This leaves in-home care as the only option to get them the help they need. These are the four biggest signs that your parents need in-home care.

No Longer Eating

Eating a healthy diet is vitally important for older individuals. Their bodies are gradually weakening over time, so they need every vitamin and nutrient possible. While it is completely normal for your parents to eat a little less food as they get older, the complete lack of an appetite is a serious problem. Not eating is a sign of a major medical issue. Check the pantry and refrigerator the next time you visit to make sure your parents have food in the house.

House is a Mess

It takes a lot of work to maintain a house. It can be tough for young adults to find the time and energy to get everything done around the house, so it is especially hard for the elderly. If the house starts to become a lot messier than normal, then this is a huge sign that your parents need a little extra help. Your parents will never admit they need help, so it is best to point out the dust, dishes and dirty clothes piling up around the house. Living in a clean environment will lower their risk of getting a dangerous illness or infection.

Ignoring Personal Hygiene

A change in appearance is the most obvious sign that something is not right with your elderly parent. It is time to get some help if your parents are suddenly unwilling or unable to shower, comb their hair or change out of dirty clothes. Most elderly people start to neglect their hygiene simply because it becomes too much work. The declining health of their body makes showering too difficult, so they just stop trying over time.

Noticeable Injuries on Body

It is estimated that roughly 25% of people over the age of 65 fall at least once every year. While your parents will do their best to try to hide their falling, the bumps and bruises will be fairly easy to spot. Once you spot some unexplained injuries, it is time to take action. It is only a matter of time before they suffer a serious injury from a fall. It is not worth risking a broken bone or head injury just because you do not want to have an uncomfortable talk with your mom or dad.

Evan Shaner