When seniors strive for independent living, they often have a hard time accepting the fact they need help when the time comes. This makes it important for you to be on the lookout for signs they need some assistance around their house before they injure or harm themselves inadvertently. Memory problems and cognitive concerns could also be early warning signs of dementia, as explained by this AARP article. The earlier you can detect these signs, the quicker you can provide them with the senior care they need to be safe.

Damaged Or Broken Fixtures And Appliances

When you visit the home of an aging parent and either notice broken items or hear them talking about them, offer to fix them. At the very least, ask if there’s a reason why they haven’t fixed them yet. It could be that they haven’t had to use their broken oven in a while, don’t have the money to get it repaired or replaced or other reasons. Living with fixtures and appliances that don’t work properly can be damaging to the mental health of a person striving for independent living, so do what you can to help.

Cluttered And Dirty Rooms

If rooms in your aging parent’s home are becoming cluttered with items or are dirty in general, don’t simply overlook them. You can approach the situation in a caring manner by asking if they need help with cleaning anything. They may indicate they don’t have the energy or physical ability to clean as much anymore, which can be a sign that you need to provide them with more senior care.

Lack Of Interest In Specific Activities

Pay attention to the overall demeanor of an aging parent and point out to them anything that may be different than what you’re used to. It’s completely natural to lose interest in certain activities over time, but if the interest isn’t replaced with anything else, then they may be suffering from a larger issue. Asking why they are losing interest in doing activities they previously enjoyed is perfectly acceptable and may get them to open up about concerns they have, or at least give you some insight into their thoughts so you can take action as needed.

Forgetfulness

An aging parent may need some additional senior care if you notice they are forgetting things more than usual. It’s common for older people to not remember what day of the week it is, where they put their keys or other minor things. However, if they constantly forget these things or tell you they forgot to take their medication, then it may be time to intervene. Independent living is wonderful for seniors who can do so, but it can also be dangerous if they become forgetful over time.

Paying attention to your aging parent is important. They may not realize they are changing, so it’s up to you to recognize certain characteristics and act as you feel appropriate. Next Day Access is here to help with any mobility concerns or limitations your senior parent may have, so contact us at any time to learn about our products.