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7 Horrible Mistakes You're Making With Lift Beds

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    Admitting the need for assistance—and accepting it—is not easy for people as they age. So, how will you know when your aging parent needs help at home? One thing is certain: Mom and Dad aren’t likely to be the ones who tell you!

    Seniors have a strong desire to remain independent and retain control of their own lives for as long as possible. Typically, an older adult will downplay or hide any issues they have been experiencing until an accident or sudden decline in their health makes it plain that they need assistance. Since adult children are often unable to participate in making care decisions before a crisis takes place, the added stress of an unexpected hospitalization or fall complicates things even further.

    One way to avoid being caught off-guard is to start regularly monitoring your parents’ physical and mental abilities (ideally in person), encouraging proper legal and financial planning, and researching long-term care options. This will ensure you are prepared should Mom or Dad begin to show signs of needing help.

    Signs a Senior Needs Help at Home

    Look for these common indicators that an older adult may need help at home or an increased level of care.

    Difficulty Performing Activities of Daily Living

    Bathing and grooming

    Dressing

    Toileting

    Continence

    Walking and transferring (e.g., moving from the bed to a chair)

    Eating

    Read: The Importance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

    Changes in Physical Function and Appearance

    Noticeable weight loss due to poor diet, difficulty cooking, eating, shopping for food, etc.

    Wearing soiled clothing or dressing inappropriately for the season/weather due to difficulties dressing

    Poor personal hygiene and unpleasant body odor as a result of infrequent showering or bathing

    Unkempt hair, untrimmed nails or poor oral hygiene indicating a noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care

    Bruises, wounds or other marks on the body that could indicate falls or changes in mobility

    Noticeable burns on the skin could indicate a senior is experiencing problems cooking

    Changes in Behavior and Mental Status

    Lack of drive or motivation

    Loss of interest in hobbies and activities

    Difficulty keeping track of time

    Failure to return phone calls to friends and family members

    Changes in mood or extreme mood swings

    Increased agitation

    Verbally or physically abusive behaviors

    Changes in sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia or sleeping all day)

    Neglecting Household Responsibilities

    Inability to independently complete instrumental ADLs

    Changes in household cleanliness and organization

    Extreme clutter or evidence of hoarding

    Stacks of unopened mail, late payment notices or bounced checks

    Unpaid bills, calls from collectors or utilities being sondercare.com/evergreen-approach/ turned off

    Spoiled food that doesn’t get thrown away

    Little or no fresh, healthy food or overall low food supply

    Stained or wet furniture or carpet

    Urine odor in the house, which may indicate incontinence

    Cookware or appliances with noticeable burn marks could indicate food has been left unattended while cooking or reheating

    Failure to maintain outdoor areas, such as landscaping, snow removal or garbage collection

    Signs of unsafe driving (e.g., automobile dents and scratches)

    Unfilled prescriptions