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5 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help at the Holidays 5 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help at the Holidays
While you
should enjoy the time you have with family as much as possible, you may observe
some signs that elderly relatives need your assistance. It's important to know
what to look for and how to react. Read on to
learn about the five signs elderly parents need help with during the holidays. 1. Showing Signs of Forgetfulness
In today's
fast-paced world, it's not unusual for people of all ages to forget something
here and there. Whether it's car keys, an appointment, or an item at the
grocery store. When your
parents are forgetting things they normally would recall - and do it often -
this can be a sign of something worse. More than 55 million people are living with
dementia worldwide. Although
dementia is known for emerging most often at age 65 or later, signs can begin
years earlier. Take note of how interactions with your parents change over
time, particularly leading up to and during the holidays. 2. Suffering From Nagging Ailments
When your
elderly parents are suffering from nagging ailments, it can change their
quality of life. Sometimes, this can be diminished to the point they need
assistance from you or a medical caregiver. If your
elderly parents are ailing physically, you should be careful transporting them
or asking them to travel a lot during the holidays. Always think of how you can
help make them more comfortable. 3. Experiencing Incontinence
Experiencing
incontinence can happen to men and women of all ages. Sometimes this is a sign
of a weak bladder not kept under control. Other times, it can be a symptom of a
very serious underlying condition. If you
notice that your elderly parents are making frequent bathroom trips or
complaining about incontinence, don't brush this off. Since it is a sensitive
topic, approach it with caution. If your mother is having trouble making
bathroom trips at night, consider recommending open back nightgowns for ladies.
A hospital gown for home care can also be helpful for a father suffering from
incontinence. 4. Trying to Do Too Much
Elderly
parents may try doing too much as the holidays get closer. Some activities may
include cleaning their house, wrapping gifts, or lifting heavy boxes. Be mindful
of whether your parents will need extra help from you around the holidays. 5. Expressing Concerns About Their Health
Although
elderly parents may be forgetful, other times expressing concerns about their
health can also be a sign they need your help. Health conditions like arthritis
or degenerative disc disease may cause physical problems for your parents but
not mental decline. Communicate
with your parents to check in with them regularly and take note of the things
they share with you about how they feel. Helping Your Elderly Parents
The passage
of time is something that no one can escape. As your parents get older, the
holidays are an opportunity to spend quality time together. Aside from being a
time to catch up with family, it's also helpful to observe the behavior of your
elderly parents. At Dignity
Pajamas, we are passionate about the care and comfort of elderly people across
the world. We are based in California and all of our nightgowns and other
clothing are made in the USA. Contact us today to learn more about our Dignity Pajamas
line for men and women! |
