Top Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

Noticing changes in an aging parent’s daily routines and behaviors can be quite alarming, especially if you’ve always known them to be independent. While it’s normal for aging loved ones to experience these changes, they are often overlooked or ignored until something serious takes place, like an accident or injury.

As an adult child, what can you do to make sure your parent stays safe? Start by looking  for warning signs that they might need some form of senior care, whether it’s home health care or care provided by a senior living community. 

Realizing the reality of the situation can make it easier to have a conversation with your parent about different care options, especially when the benefits of supervised care outweigh the risks of living alone.
At The Delaney^® at The Green, quality of life and peace of mind for both older adults and their families are at the forefront of our assisted living and memory care lifestyles.

The Top 10 Signs Your Parent Needs Assistance

Recognizing when your parent needs assistance can be crucial for their well-being. Here are ten signs to watch out for:

1. Changes in personal hygiene 

If you notice your parent neglecting their personal hygiene, such as infrequent bathing, wearing dirty clothes, or ignoring oral care, it could indicate they need help with tasks they once managed independently but may be too embarrassed to ask.

2. Unexplained bruises or injuries

Frequent bruises or injuries could signal mobility issues or balance problems requiring further investigation and possible assistance.

3. Forgetfulness and confusion

Memory lapses, forgetfulness about appointments, or confusion with familiar tasks or people may indicate cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s and other dementias, necessitating support and monitoring.

4. Difficulty managing medications

If your parent is struggling to take medications as prescribed, forgetting doses, or mixing up pills, it could pose serious health risks, indicating the need for assistance with medication management.

5. Changes in eating habits or weight loss

Sudden weight loss, skipping meals or changes in appetite could be signs of physical or mental health issues, making it essential to ensure they’re eating nutritious meals regularly.

6. Neglected home maintenance

A once well-kept home now showing signs of neglect, such as clutter, dust buildup or an unkempt yard, may indicate your parent is struggling to manage household tasks independently.

7. Social withdrawal

If your parent becomes increasingly isolated, avoids social interactions or loses interest in hobbies and activities they usually enjoy, it could signal depression, mobility issues or difficulty with transportation, necessitating support and companionship.

8. Frequent falls or near accidents

Multiple falls or near accidents, especially if they result in injuries, suggest your parent may need assistance with mobility, home modifications or physical therapy to reduce fall risks.

9. Unpaid bills or financial mismanagement

Difficulty managing finances, forgetting to pay bills or falling victim to scams could indicate cognitive decline or vulnerability, requiring assistance with financial management or oversight.

10. Increased dependence on others

If your parent begins relying more on family members, neighbors or friends for help with daily tasks or transportation, it may signal declining independence and the need for additional support or caregiving services.

If you notice any of these signs in your aging parent, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding while seeking appropriate assistance and support to ensure their safety, well-being, and quality of life.

How Assisted Living Helps Your Senior Parent

Assisted living communities like The Delaney^® at The Green provide a range of amenities, services, and support tailored to the needs of seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) but do not need the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes. Here’s everything our assisted living lifestyle provides:

1. Assistance with ADLs

Our professional caregivers help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, medication management, and mobility, ensuring  seniors receive the support they need to maintain their independence and dignity.

2. Chef-prepared, gourmet meals

We provide made-to-order, nutritious meals tailored to seniors’ dietary needs and preferences, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and hydration.

3. Housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry services

Your parent will never have to risk their safety again toiling over household chores because we’ll take care of these services for them.

4. Socialization and recreational activities

Assisted living residents at The Delaney^® at The Green find enjoyment in a variety of social and recreational activities, including group outings and exercise classes that promote social interaction (Harvard Medical School), mental stimulation, and overall well-being.

5. Safety and security

Our community prioritizes resident safety, featuring amenities such as emergency call systems, handrails, and wheelchair accessibility.

6. Transportation services

We provide transportation services for residents to attend medical appointments, run errands or participate in outings and activities outside the community.

7. Personalized care plans

We understand every individual has unique abilities and needs. That’s why we personalize care plans for each resident, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support while maintaining as much independence as possible.

8. 24-hour staff availability

We have staff available 24/7 to provide assistance, monitor residents’ well-being, and respond to emergencies, ensuring your parent will receive prompt attention and care whenever needed.

9. Rightsized residences

For single and coupled assisted living residents, we have a lovely selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans to choose from, ensuring the right amount of space for comfortable living.

Discover a Safe, Supportive Lifestyle for Your parent in Florham Park, NJ

If your parent or senior loved one is in need of assisted living, or more long-term care like memory care, The Delaney^® at The Green is your solution. Our luxurious rental community provides everything you and your aging parent want and need, with the comfort and security of knowing they’ll always be cared for. Give us a call to learn more or to schedule a personal tour.