The holidays are a time for warm family gatherings and togetherness, but if your parents are beginning to age, it can also be a chance to check up on how they are faring. Being tuned in to the health of your aging loved ones is important. Taking note of any early warning signs that they may need additional healthcare support is crucial to getting them the care they need, when they need it.
Below is a list of some of the most common signs that your aging loved ones may soon need more care:
- Difficulty with Standing or Mobility. As people age, their balance and strength diminish. If you notice a parent leaning over or looking wobbly, they may need additional help. In addition, if your loved one is leaving the house less often, they may have mobility issues that need to be addressed.
- Confusion or Forgetfulness. Did your mom forget what she was saying mid-sentence? Did your dad continually repeat himself? Forgetfulness or confusion can be a sign of cognitive decline and may indicate that your parent needs more healthcare support.
- Decline in Personal Hygiene or Housekeeping. If you notice that a parent’s grooming has begun to suffer, it’s possible that they may need additional help with daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth or bathing. If you visit their home and notice more clutter than usual, this may also be a sign that they can no longer take care of themselves sufficiently.
- Difficulty Keeping Appointments or Paying Bills. Missing appointments or leaving bills unpaid is a key sign that your parent may be experiencing cognitive decline. Look around for unopened mail and listen to any phone calls that your parents receive from bill collectors attempting to collect payment, or healthcare providers attempting to reschedule missed appointments.
- Loss of Interest in Favorite Activities. If your parent is no longer enjoying the activities or interests that used to get them excited, it can be a significant indicator that something has changed. Whether due to mobility issues or cognitive changes, isolation is a major sign that your parent(s) need more healthcare support.
Caring for an aging parent is difficult at best, and heart wrenching at worst. If you notice any of the above warning signs, don’t ignore them. Even if you still sense that your aging loved one will be able to maintain their independence for a few more years, now is the time to make sure you get the appropriate legal documents in place to ensure your ability to care for them when the time comes. It’s also a good time to start planning for the cost of long-term care—remember, Medicaid has a 5-year lookback period, so preparing to qualify for this program should start as early as possible!
At Miller Estate & Elder Law we have many years of experience helping people with all aspects of caring for their loved ones. We’ve developed a helpful guide, Caring for Aging Parents, which includes important information about preparing for and providing the care your aging loved ones may soon need. Complete the brief form below to gain access to this free resource.