Ageing can be hard, but it’s even harder when the person getting older is a parent. Over time, relationships that have lasted a lifetime can change, and the parent, who has likely spent a lifetime caring for their child, can end up being the one who needs help. Crossing that line is hard because it brings up a lot of feelings for both the parent and the adult child. It’s natural for older people to want to stay in their own homes and keep their independence, but there may come a time when a parent’s safety and wellbeing require a change in living arrangements.
It’s not easy to figure out when and how much help an ageing parent needs, and it’s even more challenging to switch roles. Watch out for these warnings that an elderly parent or relative shouldn’t be living alone, as these will help you get started.
They Suddenly Lose Weight
If your elderly parent suddenly appears thinner than usual, it may be a clue that they have stopped eating properly due to mental or cognitive issues. People with cognitive impairments related to age frequently lose weight because they forget to eat or because they no longer know how to prepare nutritious meals.
If this is the case, you might want to talk about moving your loved one into a home such as one of the Signature care homes so they can get the help they need.
There Are Lots Of Unopened Post
Having huge piles of post that hasn’t been opened is another clear sign that your loved one might be having issues living by themselves. Watch for unread letters from creditors or charitable organisations that your loved ones wouldn’t typically donate to. This can indicate that they’ve lost track of their discretion when it comes to their spending, which, if unchecked, can soon put them in debt. Ask these questions to help keep your parents safe and healthy.
They Are Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is a serious sign that parents shouldn’t live alone, and you’ll notice it as soon as you see them. In some cases, it’s caused by a physical issue, and in others, it’s caused by a mental problem. Either way, it’s not good. One of the most obvious signs that your parents need help is if they stop brushing their teeth or taking showers.
These are the most common reasons for not taking care of hygiene:
- They can’t take a shower because it hurts them or makes them feel unsafe.
- They forget to take care of themselves and don’t realise they need to.
- They have clinical depression and don’t have any drive to clean themselves.
They Keep Getting Lost
Your parent should know and be able to remember common places such as the local supermarket, the bank and their place of worship. If they can’t get to these places anymore, that’s a big warning sign that there is a problem. If you can’t trust a loved one to get around their own town, it might be time to talk about moving to a care home for their safety and security.
