Remain Active Walk In Tubs has always encouraged seniors to be independent; however, there comes a time when the elderly may need to make a lifestyle change. Many families struggle with knowing when the right time to step in and become care-givers to their aging parents. Remain Active Walk in Tubs has put together a list to help you see the number of danger signs that help you know when an elderly loved ones needs extra help. Before making our list, we want to encourage the care-giver to include the elderly patient in all discussions and decisions, be considerate of their needs, proactive to alleviate fears and compassionate to whatever changes they are facing.
Geriatric social workers and physicians warn that many factors should be weighed before any changes in living arrangements are made, however there are some specific things to look for- and if these warning signs are evident in your loved ones- then action should be taken to ensure your loved ones safety.
-A noticeable change in personality or behavior
-Drop in Weight: This could be a sign of serious illness- but most likely is an indication that the senior isn’t eating or may not be preparing foods.
-Failure to Take Medications (or overdosing): This is a sign of forgetfulness, confusion or a misunderstanding of the doctor’s instructions.
-Car Accidents: The Elderly can become easily disorientated, traffic accidents can also be caused by slow reflexes, poor vision or the general inability to handle a vehicle
-Note:Disorientation of a consistent nature may indicate a need for help. Examples include not knowing who one is, where one is, who the family is, or talking to people who are not there.
-Lack of Hygiene: The deterioration of personal hygiene such as bathing, shaving, dentures, etc is a sign of either mental or physical complications. When a person is no longer able to keep up basic hygiene practices it’s important to either find a hospice service, home health assistant or for a family member to step up the assistance the loved one is receiving.
-Home Safety:When an elderly loved one is able to live an active and safely continue their independent lifestyle by aging in place- we still suggest that family members are active in the aging adults life. Remain Active’s blog has a lot of information on aging in place, bathroom safety, walk in tubs and handicap tubs for wheel chair accessible bathing.
For more information please call our offices at 1-800-397-1123.