When Ageing Becomes Difficult
Troubling effects of ageing may be gradual at first, but can quickly cause larger challenges. It may be time to seek outside help if you notice these differences in older adults:
- Atypical behavior, such as increased agitation
- Communication and relationship changes
- Poor nutrition, or weight loss or gain
- Neglect of personal care
- Forgetfulness evidenced by lapses in the activities of daily living
- Financial mis-management, such as unpaid bills
- Confusion and uncertainty with accomplishing regular tasks
- Difficulties with balance, walking or mobility
Father sometimes leaves the garage door up all night with his keys in the car. Mother stays in the same outfit for days and limits her bathing.
Uncle Henry has a desk stacked with piles of bills, health insurance letters and bank statements—all unopened.
At first, these behaviors seem a bit out of the ordinary, but now you are beginning to wonder if something is shifting in your elder loved ones’ health and daily care needs.
How ageing affects a family member may be gradual at first, but it can quickly cause larger challenges. If you bring up the subject to your older relative, he or she may just brush off the topic by stating, I am fine. There is no need to worry.” Recognising true limitations of ageing is not always clear-cut, but it may be time to seek outside help if you notice these differences in older adults:
To help you better understand your loved one’s limitations and whether it is time to enlist the help of a professional caregiver, it is important to know where to start and how to navigate the questions and concerns.
For many families, there comes a time for ‘the conversation’ with their older loved one about needing help with everyday activities
Fortunately, it is a relief to know that experienced home healthcare professionals such as Right at Home understand which ageing and health changes warrant caregiver help and when and how to take more purposeful steps to support your older person.
