6 Signs an Aging Loved One May Need Extra Help

It’s a busy time of year — and although the holiday season is a joyful time of year, for many it comes with added stress. According to some studies, 1 in 4 adults 65 or older have reported feeling anxious or depressed.

Aging is a natural part of life, but it’s important to make sure loved ones are staying safe at home, especially during winter. Here are some signs that a parent or older family member may need some extra assistance.

People of all ages have had to adjust to “new normals” over the past few years, but this may make noticing changes in an older relative’s lifestyle easy to miss. If your mom who usually loves holiday decorating has not asked you to help her put out her cherished snow globe collection, it may be a sign of depression or other issues.

Getting older makes some activities more challenging and it’s normal to slow down. But, when you notice laundry piling up, increasing amounts of clutter or poor hygiene, a loved one may be struggling physically or emotionally.

Some common indicators of self-neglect are hoarding, not keeping up with housekeeping, or not wearing weather-appropriate clothing, according to the National Institute on Aging.

If you notice a loved one may be struggling to physically accomplish these tasks, they may need help to build their strength or with adapting their home to meet their needs. Knute Nelson Home Health Care’s physical and occupational therapy team specializes in helping individuals maintain their independence through home safety assessments, equipment recommendations and exercises to build strength and mobility.

When you visit your parents, is the stack of mail getting larger each time? Even the best of bakers burn holiday cookies, but are they consistently leaving the oven on? If your loved one is forgetting to pay bills or letting other responsibilities slip, it may mean they feel overwhelmed in managing their health concerns and daily lives.

For some older adults, home health care, wearable technology or telehealth services from providers like Knute Nelson could take the stress out of their everyday needs. Feeling healthier and more empowered at home may also create more time for self-care activities like gardening or reading.

You may help out by shopping for groceries and refilling prescriptions, but when that box of holiday cookies you purchased for your dad is still unopened or the plate of homemade lefse you left is molding on the counter, it may be a sign he could use some assistance with remembering to eat regularly.

Studies have found a reduced appetite is very common in older adults, and it needs to be managed with regular healthy meals to prevent weight loss, vitamin deficiencies and physical weakness.

Taking more or less than the prescribed amount of medications is another common issue as people age, which becomes additionally complicated if they need to manage more than one prescription. The combination of mismanaging medications and not eating properly can also lead to stomach issues or other side effects.

To monitor and manage medications, Knute Nelson Home Health Care offers skilled nursing support. This support can include medication set up so individuals are receiving the proper doses each day. Medication management technology is also available to remind individuals to take their medications at the right times.

Minnesota is famous for its blizzards and cold winters. Spending more time indoors is normal during the chillier months, but for older people, living alone it can be very isolating. Worrying about slipping on an icy sidewalk or driving in bad weather could limit how many times your loved one actually leaves their house and exasperate feelings of loneliness.

Even when physical distancing is necessary, socializing and interacting with others is still important for maintaining health as people age, which can be done through video calls. For peace of mind, Knute Nelson offers telehealth and wearable technology, along with home health care.

As couples age, one partner may naturally take on a caregiver role. However, this can often take a toll on their physical and emotional wellbeing. They may want to do it all themselves, from ordering gifts for their grandkids to keeping a tidy home, but when end-of-life care is required, hospice may be the best option to give both individuals what they need.

Hospice can help support family caregivers with things like personal tasks, meal preparation and light housework to help ease their stress, while also providing their loved one with the care they need.

In keeping with having a happy and healthy holiday season, it may be time to exploreage-care options with Knute Nelson. To request more information about our services, fill out a form, or contact our team at 320-421-0242.