Pin Part One: Red Flags One Through Five No one ever wants to think about their parents getting old and frail, but the reality is that it’s something we all have to face at some point. As adult children, we want to do whatever we can to make sure our parents are comfortable and happy in their golden years. But sometimes, things happen that we weren’t expecting and that can leave to feelings of being overwhelmed – like our parents start showing signs of dementia or becoming forgetful or fall down a flight of stairs.  Keep an eye out for these 11 red flags, and if you see them, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your parents will appreciate your vigilance in ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Keep reading for the first Five Red Flags you need to look out for! In this blog post we will start the conversation with the first Five Red Flags.  Come back next week and we will finish up the discussion on the remaining 6 Red Flags.  To make sure you get the next blog post consider getting on our email list and the next blog post will get delivered to your in-basket. You can sign up HERE. Ok, back to the 5 Red Flags. It’s important to be aware of the signs that they may need more help than you can provide. Aging can be a difficult process for both the elderly and their loved ones, but by being proactive and watching for these signs, you can help make the process a little easier. Thanks for reading! Red Flag Number One: Frequent Falls in the last 3-6 months. You are noticing more bruises, bumps, burns, or cuts. As we age, it becomes more and more important to keep an eye on our parents’ health and well-being. Signs that they may need help in the home can be subtle, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any changes in their usual routine. One red flag is if they’ve started falling more frequently. This could be a sign of diminished balance and coordination and may indicate that they’re having difficulty getting around the house. If you notice this happening, it’s a good idea to talk to them about their needs and see if they would benefit from some extra help at home. As our parents age, it’s only natural that we start to worry about their safety and wellbeing. After all, they’ve spent their lives taking care of us, and now it’s our turn to return the favor. However, it’s not always easy to know when they need our help. Of course, every family is different, so it’s important to trust your gut when it comes to your parents’ care. If you’re worried about them, the best thing you can do is talk to them openly about your concerns and see what kind of assistance they might need. With a little help from us, they can continue to live happy, healthy, and independent lives. There are many home safety recommendations that can be made such as picking up throw rugs, wearing shoes that don’t slip off easily and are sturdy, having a night light on during sleep hours so they can see better if they have to get up at night to use the rest room. If their stamina is not as good any longer you can put strategically placed chairs from one end of the house to the other to give them places to rest and take a break. Many more ideas for home safety are available. Quick Win: If falls are becoming an issue ask your parent’s doctor if they feel a physical therapy evaluation might be appropriate or a trip to the doctor’s office for a check-up. In our Patient Advocate Match Directory, we have healthcare professionals that are available such as the company “Keeping Grandparents Safe at Home.” You can view the Directory HERE. Red Flag Number Two: Unintentional weight loss over past 3-6 months. One sign that your aging parents may need help in the home is unintentional weight loss over the past 3-6 months. This can be a sign that they are not eating enough or that they are not able to prepare meals for themselves. If you notice that your parents have lost weight, it’s important to talk to them about their eating habits and see if they need help with meal preparation or shopping for groceries. As people age, it’s not uncommon for them to lose a little bit of weight. After all, metabolism slows down and appetites tend to diminish. However, a significant or sudden weight loss can be a red flag that something is wrong. If your aging parent has lost more than five percent of their body weight in the past six months without trying to diet, it’s worth taking a closer look. There are many possible causes of unexplained weight loss, from dental problems that make eating painful to underlying health conditions like cancer. If your parent is struggling to keep up with their usual eating habits, it’s important to get them evaluated by a doctor. With early intervention, many health issues can be managed effectively. Quick Win: Again, a trip to the provider’s office is a good idea. If nothing serious is found a consultation with the clinic’s dietician could be helpful to determine what some of the issues are.  Sometimes our parents will be more truthful and more likely to share their concerns with a healthcare professional.  They may be reluctant to let their family know things are getting a bit rough at home. Red Flag Number Three: Losing/misplacing things frequently increase in confusion or behavior changes. As our parents age, it’s natural for us to worry about their well-being. We want to make sure they are safe, healthy, and happy. Sometimes, this can be difficult to gauge from a distance. If you live far away from your parents, you may not see them as often as … Continue reading Aging Parents? Here are 11 Red Flags You Need to Look For