Finding the right balance between providing overbearing care and letting your aging parents maintain themselves on their own can get tricky. The reason why it can get tricky is that aging adults tend to be a bit more stubborn regarding their freedom. Therefore, it is necessary to know when you should step forward and provide care and when you need to step back and let them handle things on their own. However, their deteriorating health can tip this scale, which makes it more difficult to give them the autonomy they desire while tending to their needs.

So if you are concerned about how you can make sure that their wellness is not compromised, we suggest taking a look at the following warning signs of deteriorating health in aging adults.

Why is it important?

Deteriorating health may be the first warning sign of decreased wellness, especially when the patient is old. It may be something more serious than simple crankiness, forgetfulness, or cold. These warning signs show that their body and mind are growing weak. Therefore, keeping a look out for warning signs will help you determine what steps you need to take next without the decision being forced upon you.

For example, will you need to move in back with your parents to provide full-time care, or will they require additional resources? In case they require professional care and health services, you may start looking for suitable nursing homes in your area. For example, if you live in a big city like Sydney, you will need to find a nursing home nearby so that you can visit them from time to time. Just Google ‘nursing home Sydney’. But first, look out for signs of deteriorating health, some of which are:

Change in personality

One of the most common signs of deteriorating health in aging adults is a shift in their personality. At first, it may seem like little changes in personality in the form of increased anger, irritability, or boredom. So, if it seems that there is something different about their personality, it is crucial to investigate further.

Personality Effects

The reason is that a person’s personality and mood are controlled by a vast and intricate network of neurotransmitters in your brain. Problems in this intricate system can arise in case of any injury, damage, or deterioration, resulting in personality changes. For this reason, it is crucial to take notice of this warning sign and consult a doctor immediately.

Forgetfulness

One of the most common signs that elderly people need help is general forgetfulness of things. It may start up small as trouble recalling names, forgetting places, etc., but if you leave it unaddressed, it can deteriorate to dangerous levels. For example, your elderly loved one may forget the stove, forget to eat their meals, miss medications, etc. In such a case, consult with a doctor immediately.

Mobility issues

Your elderly parents may try to shrug it off as old bones act up, but mobility issues are another common sign of deteriorating health in elderly individuals. It will show up as little signs such as not having enough stamina to walk too long, knee pain while climbing the stairs, etc. It shows that their physical health is declining, and if left unattended, it can also result in physical injury. For example, they may slip and fall while climbing the stairs or taking a shower, which can result in injury.

Unexplained bruising

You may have noticed that your elderly parents have a strong sense of independence. They prefer doing things on their own because they don’t want to appear old and incapable and don’t want to be a burden on people around them.

However, issues can start arising if they hide injuries from you or forget about them. But those signs will be evident in the form of unexplained bruises, cuts, or burn marks on their body. If such is the case, it is a clear-cut sign that your elderly parents need assistance in everyday living.

Bad hygiene

With forgetfulness, mobility issues, and personality changes come the signs of disorganization and messiness. At first, it may be limited to the home only, but it can quickly lead to bad hygiene.

If they lose the motivation to shower and maintain their hygiene due to mobility issues or forgetfulness, it can lead to further health problems. For example, if they spend most of their hours in bed or a chair and neglect hygiene, they can develop bed sores which can be rather painful.

Elderly Assessment

For this reason, if you notice this sign, talk to your elderly loved one about the reason behind this and voice your concerns with a doctor. If the situation gets worse, fulfill their hygiene needs yourself or hire help to assist them.

Frequent illnesses

As mentioned before, something as simple as the flu may lead to something more serious in your elderly parents. The reason is that the immune system starts slowing down with increasing age. It can lead to deteriorating physical health as their body no longer possesses the immune power to defend their body against illnesses. As a result, you will find them more sensitive to climate changes, and falling ill more often by getting a fever, catching the flu, cold, any infection, etc.

Safety Tips

Since their body is already weak, even common illnesses like colds can take a heavy toll on their health. For this reason, if you find your elderly loved ones getting sick more often, consult with a doctor to provide timely care.

Conclusion

Your elderly parents will likely try to downplay the situation so that they can maintain independence and not feel like a burden. Therefore, it is your responsibility to notice all of these signs and determine if they require immediate elderly care or medical attention. But keep in mind that caring for an elderly person is a full-time job, especially when they start facing severe mobility issues. In such a case, it is crucial to devise a strategy to provide them with the best care possible.

It may result in some alterations to your and their lifestyle, but it will be for the best. But don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family, and hire professional help if necessary.