One of the hardest parts of aging is accepting that you can’t do the things you used to. In your 30s, you might find yourself getting winded chasing the kids around the yard. In your 40s, touching your toes might become a struggle. In your 50s, a somewhat strenuous activity, like cleaning out the garage, might result in a long afternoon nap and soreness the next day, when 25 years ago you would have done it without breaking a sweat.
And just as your physical capacity diminishes, so does your mental capacity. You used to be able to keep it all in your head, but appointments and names start slipping out. Formerly easy decisions take a little more deliberation.
Each of us meets these challenges of aging with various levels of humor and frustration, but no matter how good-humored we are, there comes a point at which your decreasing ability to care for yourself becomes a serious source of concern.
This is a difficult moment for both aging people and the family members who take it upon themselves to take care of them. It’s hard to admit you can’t do it alone and relinquish independence. And if you’re taking care of an aging loved one, your sense of responsibility might keep you from turning their care over to someone else. But at some point, the care you or your loved one needs is beyond what anyone but a trained professional can do.
How do you know when you’ve reached that point? Here are the six biggest signs that it’s time to consider senior care.
Frailty
Loss of muscle mass is a natural part of aging, but if your loved one seems to be losing weight, becoming significantly weaker, or simply looking more frail, it may be time to consider senior care.
Frequent Injuries and Falls
If you’re noticing your loved one with new cuts or bruises, or they seem hesitant when standing up or walking on stairs, they may be injuring themselves or falling. For older adults, minor injuries can be slow to heal and even turn into ulcers, especially for those with diabetes or conditions that cause reduced blood flow.
Inability to Keep House
You may notice your loved one’s home becoming more messy, with dirty clothes left on the floor, dishes left on the table, dirty pots and pans left on the stove, or pet waste present in the home. They may also be neglecting repairs to their home, leaving a toilet or sink clogged or a refrigerator broken for months. These are all signs that your loved one may need senior care.
Inability to Attend to Personal Hygiene
Just as your loved one might lose the ability to take care of their home, they may also lose the ability to take care of themselves. They might wear the same clothes for days on end and stop doing their hair, brushing their teeth, or bathing.
Missing Medications or Doctor’s Appointments
Once upon a time, it was easy to remember which pills were once per day, which were three times per day, which were weekly. It was routine. Same goes for appointments: the receptionist tells you “We’ll see you next Tuesday at 9 AM!” and it just stays in your head. As you age, these tasks become more difficult. Missing medications and doctor’s appointments can be fatal. It doesn’t have to be a loved one’s responsibility to keep track of all of this, so don’t be afraid to seek help.
Social Isolation
This may seem minor, and it might seem normal for older adults to not have much of a social life. But isolation leads to depression, which can worsen other medical conditions. Staying socially active also helps keep the mind and body sharp, improving quality of life for longer. Isolation also means no one is checking in on them to notice the above signs.
You’re Not Alone
Aging is hard for a number of reasons. Not being able to do what you used to be able to do is frustrating at every stage of life. If you’ve been taking care of an aging loved one and it’s hurting your own quality of life, or your loved one needs care beyond what you’re capable of giving on your own, help is here if you need it. You shouldn’t have to do it alone. If it’s time for senior care for you or a loved one, request an appointment with Alertive today using the contact information at the bottom of this page.
