6 Signs Your Elderly Parent May Need Home Health Care

When you take a trip home so that you can visit your parents, whether they live in Anaheim or Raleigh, you may notice that your parents have changed a bit since the last time you were there. Make sure to take note of those changes, because by noting a decline in health as they age, you can put together a plan that will help them stay in their own home and be independent, for as long as possible. While you would love nothing more than for your elderly parent to move in with you and your family, you know that it's not a good idea and that they would never agree. 

That's why you need to be on the lookout for signs that you need to get your elderly parent the right kind of home healthcare Orange County (or Wake County) providers offer. Below you can find signs that your elderly parent might need someone to come in and help them out. 

They Can No Longer Drive Themselves

Not only are there quite a few dangers associated with the elderly driving, but it’s also possible that they just aren't capable of driving themselves any longer. If your parents are having more accidents on the road, or you notice new dings and dents in their car, then it might be time to take the keys and call in a home health care aide to drive them where they need to go. 

They're Having Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks

If you notice that your parents are having difficulty performing daily tasks, such as bathing, cooking, or light cleaning, then it might be time to call in a home healthcare worker. 

Personal Hygiene Issues

If you notice your elderly parent is unkempt and having problems with their personal care, such as getting dressed, taking showers, and brushing their teeth and hair, then they may be having personal hygiene issues. Remember, being clean is important to your parent’s health, as well as their healing and general well-being.

Medication Difficulties

The older you get, the more medications you seem to have to take. As a senior, it's easy to lose track of the medications and even if they have taken them or not. If you've noticed your elderly parents forgetting whether they've taken their medicine or not, or find that they haven't been taking it at all, it could be time to get help to come in and help them. 

Have a Hard Time Standing 

If your elderly parent is having a hard time standing for long periods of time, it can make their home life hard to deal with. If they can't stand to shower, clean, or even cook a simple meal, then it's time to get them someone to help with performing those tasks. Their inability to stand for long periods can lead to them taking a fall that they might have a hard time recovering from. 

Your Family or Your Parents Are Feeling Overwhelmed

If you and your family have been trying to deal with the aging and decline on your own, you might be starting to feel overwhelmed and stressed. The same holds true for your elderly parents, who might be feeling overwhelmed, but not saying anything because they do not want to put more stress on their family members. Home health care agencies can help educate families and parents on the best ways to cope. They can also take a lot of the burden of dealing with two households off everyone as well. 

These are just a few of the signs that it might be time to talk to a home healthcare agency about getting help for your aging parents. There is no shame in asking for help, as you're only one person, and it's in the best interest of you and the parents you love.