With advancing age, several mental and physical changes occur that make it difficult for some people to continue to live and function independently. For many people, there eventually comes a time when long term care is unavoidable. We’ve put together the top 3 signs that may indicate that your aging parent is unable to live independently and is in need to long term care
#1 Memory Complaints
Memory lapses are all too common with seniors. While this may be a normal sign of aging, forgetting certain things can create serious problems. For example, forgetting to take the prescribed medication can cause your aging parent’s health to decline even faster. It can even be fatal. Also, forgetting where they live or how to get back home can be dangerous. Memory complaints must not be dismissed lightly. They are one of the major signs that living independently may not be an option for your aging parent much longer.
#2 Physical Decline
Some degree of physical decline is almost inevitable as we age. This alone makes it a struggle to accomplish everyday tasks, even simple yet crucial tasks such as cooking, cleaning and attending to personal hygiene. When combined with failing memory, the dangers of living alone get compounded.
#3 Aggression
Even individuals who have always been gentle and mild can sometimes start to show aggressive behaviors with the onset of dementia. This becomes worse as the dementia progresses. If your parent has started behaving aggressively towards you and others, you know it’s time to be exploring long-term care options.
What To Do To Get The Long-Term Care Your Aging Parent Needs
Recognizing the signs that your aren’t needs long-term care is only the first step towards getting them the help they need. Here are some things you need to do in order to get them the best long-term care that addresses their specific needs.
Assess Your Parent’s Needs
All seniors do not need the same type of help. Every person ages differently. Some seniors may be totally dependent on others for their every need, while others may only require minimum help in a specific area. One person may only need help with medication or nutrition, while another may only require help with bathing or grooming and still others may only be looking for social interaction.
Think about the areas your aging parent needs help so you can look for the right type of long-term care that addresses their specific needs.
Explore Available Aging Care Options
When it comes to long-term care for seniors, there are several options that you can explore. Take time to look into each of these options so you can choose one that is best suited to your parents’ needs within the available budget.
Home care – There are several qualified and experienced caregivers who care for seniors in their own home. This allows your aging parent to get the necessary care while still living at home.
Geriatricians – Geriatricians are doctors who specialize in elderly health. A geriatrician will conduct health checks to assess your elderly parent’s health on a regular basis. This allows them to detect any potential conditions in the early stages, when it is easier to treat and has a higher success rate.
Assisted living communities – These communities are run by experienced staff who care for their elderly residents 24/7. This is a great option if your aging parent is not able to live independently on their own.
Geriatric care managers – Geriatric care managers are qualified professionals who offer advice and guidance to families with regards to the best long-term care options available for their aging parent.
It is advisable to look into all of the above options before your parents’ health start to decline as it can take time to get it all together.
