As our parents age, it’s easy to overlook the signs that they may need more care than we’re able to provide on our own. Holidays such as Mother’s Day can have dual purposes as a chance to spend meaningful time together and to assess any additional needs your mother may have.
Whether you are visiting in person or reaching out across the miles, take time to consider your mother’s health and if her needs have changed. Many times, adult children don’t realize how their parents have deteriorated until it’s too late. Parents do a good job of hiding their ailments on the phone and their kids don’t always want to see what’s happening.
Here are some areas of concern you will want to look out for in your aging mother (or any older relative):
- Hearing loss
- Most seniors experience age-related hearing loss in varying degrees. Social withdrawal, loneliness and depression are symptomatic of hearing loss, especially for those who live alone.
- People with hearing loss have been shown to experience a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal hearing. Hearing aids can help slow this decline.
- Signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Getting lost or confused in familiar places
- Mood swings
- Dressing inappropriately for the weather
- Forgetting to take medications or taking double doses
- Forgetting to pay bills
- Rambling or incoherent speech
- Hand tremors
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Losing weight/forgetting to eat
- Balance and Coordination
- Nearly one-third of seniors over 60 suffer at least one or two falls in their lifetime that result in fractures, head trauma or severe bruising.
- Causes of loss of balance include medications, inner ear infections, alcohol, other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Voicing your concerns may be tricky as your mother may be resistant to acknowledging she needs more assistance. Using patience, empathy and understanding is vital to approaching these difficult conversations. If you need help transitioning a loved one to assisted living or to a smaller and more manageable living situation, Hither Hive has solutions. We are experts in downsizing, moving and organizing with kindness and patience. We bring a positive yet pragmatic attitude to each project.
