Your aging parent might find it difficult to admit that they need help in executing daily tasks. It is, therefore, your duty to be observant and identify when aging care is necessary for them. Below are several signs that can alert you that it is time to find extra help for your aging parent.

Changes in mental function

You should consider getting some form of aging care, such as in-home care, for your elderly parent in case they start showing signs of declining mental function. For example, your parent may miss numerous crucial appointments due to their inability to keep track of time. Your parent may also become unsure when they are performing mundane tasks, such as using the kitchen appliances, which were previously easy to perform. Frequent examples of poor judgment, such as withdrawing and giving away money to random strangers, can also alert you that your parent needs aging care.

Personal hygiene changes

Elderly people who need additional care also exhibit signs of neglecting their hygiene. Such individuals may have an unpleasant body odour. You may smell urine on their clothing or in different parts of the house. A marked decline in their grooming, such as neglecting to brush their teeth, also signals a need for aging care.

Neglected household duties

Piles of dirty laundry, rotten food in the pantry, extreme clutter and other signs of a neglected home can also prompt you to consider getting some form of aging care for your parent. Such neglect is particularly telling in case your parent was known to be neat and particular about housekeeping.

Declining physical function

The physical condition of your elderly parent can also help you to decide when that parent needs aging care. You should take action when you notice that your parent finds it increasingly difficult to stand up after sitting for a while. You should also act when you notice injuries or bruises that your parent cannot explain. Such a person may also leave marks on different items or objects around the house as they try to get support while moving around the home.

You may not have to wait for all the signs above before you act. Any sign that tells you that your elderly parent is no longer able to live independently should prompt you to seek assistance. Involve an aging care professional in case that parent resists your attempts to get them help.