Recognising When Assistance is Necessary for Ageing Loved Ones
Ageing is a natural phenomenon and it is important to recognise that an ageing relative needs assistance. However, it is a challenging task to discern when a loved one needs additional support. If you are interested in identifying the signs that suggest assistance is required for your loved ones, here are five major signs which can help you proactively address the needs of your loved ones and provide appropriate care and support.
1) Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
One of the most important signs that demonstrates the need for assistance for an ageing loved one is their difficulty with activities of daily living. It has been a common theme that when a person ages, the ability to perform daily living activities such as grooming, bathing, dressing and preparing meals declines.
Furthermore, your loved one also may have altered eating habits, and struggles with things like personal hygiene and changing clothes. All these signs indicate challenges of ageing and difficulty with ADLs. If these signs appear, it is advised that proper care and support services are offered to your loved one to avoid any harm to them.
2) Cognitive Decline
Cognitive integrity is indispensable for effective communication, involving the processing and assimilation of sensory inputs and the ability to respond suitably to others. It’s common for cognitive faculties to diminish with advancing age. Individuals encountering functional impairments or activity limitations within cognitive realms may require assistance or support from others to perform routine tasks. Therefore, it is essential to watch out for signs of confusion, forgetfulness, and trouble with communication. These signs show that tour loved one is possibly displaying signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and requires support to carry out daily life activities.
3) Social Isolation and Withdrawal
Another important sign that your loved one needs assistance, is a change in their social behaviour. It has been seen that an ageing person withdraws from social activities and prefers isolation from friends and family. These signs indicate that an ageing person is facing depression and loneliness. It is crucial to pay attention to these signs of withdrawal and social disengagement which indicate support and care is needed for your ageing loved one.
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4) Unexplained Bruises and Injuries
Unexplained bruises and injuries in an ageing person can be a significant indicator that they may need assistance. As people age, they may experience a decline in mobility and balance, making them more prone to falls. Furthermore, ageing people often suffer from poor vision or hearing loss issues which can make it difficult for them to navigate their surroundings safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
If you notice unexplained bruises or injuries in your loved one, it is an important sign that they may need assistance and support.
5) Neglecting Household Responsibilities and Finances
It has been seen that as a person grows older, they can neglect household responsibilities and finances. This could be demonstrated in the form of forgetting to pay bills, mismanaging finances, or neglecting household chores. Your loved one may also struggle to maintain the same level of physical activity required for household chores, leading to neglect in these areas. In any case, neglecting household responsibilities and finances is a sign that assistance is needed. It is essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Offering support and assistance, whether through family members, community services, or professional caregivers, it can help address these issues and ensure the well-being of the your loved one.
Recognising when your loved one may need support is crucial for ensuring their safety, well-being, and quality of life.
By staying vigilant for signs of difficulty with activities of daily living, forgetfulness and cognitive decline, social withdrawal and isolation, unexplained bruises or injuries, and neglect of finances and household responsibilities, families can intervene early and provide the necessary assistance and care.
