“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”  Tia Walker

         We live in a society where aging is underappreciated while the youth is promoted. We are all caught in this matrix of trying to use anti-aging products to maintain a younger appearance. But truth be told, the process of aging still remains undefeated, like the 07’ regular season New England Patriots. So, let’s not kid ourselves and come to terms that we all age, and perhaps we can learn to age gracefully. There are those amongst us that are seasoned in life, it may well be our parents or grandparents. We discuss signs that will enable you to tell if an aging parent or loved one requires help at home. When you notice these signs, it is up to you to start a meaningful conversation about having your loved one accept and receive care. It is not an easy conversation since many seniors would like to remain independent as long as possible.

    Signs to look for:

• Difficulty performing daily activities

Physical abilities decline as one ages and an elderly parent may neglect bathing. A strong body odor is a telltale sign. They will have a hard time trying to dress, and this will result in repeating the same clothes. Unkempt hair is a sign of poor grooming. Increased weight loss, which can be explained by poor nutrition or lack of eating. And finally, the inability to use the bathroom.

• Changes in mood and behavior

Have your loved ones started acting differently towards you, other family members, and friends? If so, this could be a sign of depression.

• Forgetfulness

Is your loved one forgetting to take medication? Are they forgetting where they left their keys or placed something?

• Expired food and groceries

Are you finding expired groceries and left-over food in the refrigerator? This is a sign your loved one can keep track of what they ingest and cannot tell the difference between what is fresh and what is not.

• Clutter around the house

Does the house seem disorganized? Does it no longer look like the home you are familiar with or grew up in?

• Bruises, wounds or other marks on the body

If you notice bruises or burn marks on your elderly loved one, it could be an indication that they had fallen or even burnt themselves while trying to cook.

• Unpaid bills

If you notice unopened mail piling up, unpaid bills, and calls from collection agencies, it means your loved one is falling behind and needs help tracking their expenses and finances.

• Leaving the yard unattended

Has the grass in the front yard grown too tall, has foliage gone uncleaned or has the driveway gone unplowed? Is trash piling up in the house?

• Unable to get up unassisted

Is your loved one having a hard time getting up from a fixed position? Do they have trouble switching from a chair to bed or vice-versa?

• Unexplained dents on the car

If you notice dents and scratches on your loved one’s vehicle that weren’t there before, it may mean they need assistance driving or getting around.

If you start noticing some of these signs, it might be the right time for you to consider hiring a Home Health Caregiver. Humble Home Care Services provides excellent service right from the comfort of your home or loved one’s home. Humble Home Care Services has trained caregivers who have gone through an extensive background search and also receive monthly training on all relevant topics on how to care for the elderly. Humble gives you the option, of having your loved one feel at ease by remaining in their own home as compared to moving to an assisted living facility or retirement home.  Wondering what kind of services Humble provides and what is it going to cost you? Fear not, Humble Home provides a free 1-hour in-home assessment, which you can get by calling (978) 764-5296 (24/7).