Nobody wants to think about their parents getting older and needing help to get by. However, it is part of most people’s lives and is something that we have to start thinking about once our parents show signs of slowing down. As people get older, their health concerns will typically increase also. For our parents and other elderly loved ones, we need to look out for signs of neglect and lack of care.
Here are some of the health-related concerns to be watchful for in our older relatives.
Falling
Older people may develop and tendency to lose their balance and falling over. If they do this frequently then this is a sign that there could be a muscular issue and that medical attention should be sought. Sadly, falling over is a common cause of death among older people due to the impact on their bodies from the fall–not to mention long recovery times from broken bones. It’s up to you to decide whether they would benefit from extra care at home or in residential care.
Memory Issues
It is common for people to become more forgetful once they get a bit older. However, there is a key difference between forgetting why you entered a room and who somebody is when they are a key part of your life. When your loved ones start to exhibit signs of forgetfulness that increase in severity, it is best to get a formal diagnosis so you can seek out the right level of care for them so that they can live as full as life as possible.
Joint Issues
Older people will tend to slow down as they get older, but if your loved one starts to complain about joint pain then you need to make sure they get the right medical help. Help them to find a suitable physiotherapist who will help them to improve their muscle mass which will help to ease joint pain and improve their overall fitness.
Neglect
If you decide that the best place for your parents to live is in residential care, then it can be a load off your mind knowing that they are being taken care of properly. However, unfortunately, care homes are known for being places that do not protect our loved ones as we wish. Signs of neglect and abuse in the elderly are; lack of hygiene, malnourishment, unexplained bruises, and changes in behavior. If you notice this happening, it may be time to consider seeing a lawyer representing elderly victims who can assist you in making sure your loved one gets the help they need and any compensation they deserve.
Alternatively, you can also consider elderly in-home care services to ensure your loved one;s stay where you know is safest for them. One of the main benefits of home care is that it allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings. This can provide a sense of comfort and peace during a difficult time. In addition, home care allows patients to maintain some degree of control over their environment and their care. Family members also benefit from home hospice care, as they are able to spend more time with their loved one during this difficult time.
Keeping the brain active
One of the biggest downfalls of getting older is losing the ability to use the mind. So while older people may not be able to focus on reading long books, audiobooks can help keep the mind stimulated–as can learning to play new games which can also be a bonding experience.
Older relatives will have done their part in taking care of you- now is the time to pay it back and make sure they can live their golden years happily and healthily.
Ann
June 17, 2021We had our grandmother in residential care, and she was so happy all the time – we just found the perfect place for her! That was the most important thing for us, making sure that she liked it 🙂
Krysten Quiles
June 17, 2021This is something even I’m starting to worry about at 37! I think it’s important to take preventive actions before its too late.
Kuntala
June 17, 2021These are all so important. I think anyone with an older relative will be well served to read this. It’s so important to pay extra close attention to our loved ones as they get older.
Heather
June 17, 2021I saw every single one of these in my Grandma just a few years before she passed. It’s such a scary time.
Christine Weis
June 17, 2021Ah, yes! I worry about these things as my parents get older. I think it’s so important for elderly people to stay active. Movement, and daily exercise for the body and mind are so important.
Tweenselmom
June 17, 2021Thank you so much for these tips. We really have to look out for our older relatives especially during these hard times.
aisasami
June 17, 2021My parents are now in their 60s and I am always afraid if something happens to them, like memory loss or falling. I am so far away not to help them.
Dominique
June 17, 2021This is a good post. My father lived with me for almost 2 years. We had to scout for all of those issues (except neglect since he was living with us). It was challenging because he knew that parts of him were failing. It’s a difficult process. Thanks for sharing!
Alexis
June 17, 2021It is so important to take the time to care for our older relatives, they poured into us when we were younger. It is only right to do the same for them.
Ivan M. Jose
June 17, 2021We should be more mindful of our elderly folks as the simplest of accidents can cause great damage to their bodies.
Yudith Napitupulu
June 17, 2021I living with my parents in law due to pandemic situations. They are old, and I always concern about their health. Especially they have diabetes issue. Me and my husband always checking their blood sugar by portable electronic device and reduce the risk of disease by controlling the food. Eating the healthy food diet.
Bryan Carey
June 17, 2021Falling is always an issue and concern with older people. With the brittle bones, even a slight fall can cause breakage or other injury.
Ryan Zofay
June 17, 2021This is very great knowledge especially when I have older parents and of course grandparents.
Sonia Seivwright
June 17, 2021Wow, these are really important points to know. That way we can learn to do better.
Lyosha
June 18, 2021amen to that! dementia is real and the sooner you notice it, the better and the longer you will have your older relative active and happy. late stages of dementia are something I wish I never saw.
Ntensibe Edgar
June 18, 2021Ah yes, I worry so much about tripping herself and losing her memory slowly. It’s just like a cancer…
Claudia Blanton
June 18, 2021I am glad that you wrote this – it is so important for us to keep our eyes on the senior people in our families – there are so many accidents and situations that will be prevented if we all take your tips to heart – blessings
Alita Pacio
June 19, 2021Keeping the brain is really important. We can do this by playing games as you said but my favorite thing to do with my grandma was playing cards and Sungka.