Have you noticed a decline in your mom or dad lately? If you don’t live nearby, and you’re typically checking in by phone, it can be challenging to detect when your parents may be having difficulty with their daily life (especially if they’re unlikely to admit they’re struggling).
If it’s been awhile since you saw your mom or dad, seeing them in person might be an eye-opener, especially if you’re noticing changes in their health, behaviour, mood, or level of independence. How can you tell if these changes are cause for concern? Below are some warning signs to help judge whether your mom or dad need additional support.
Possible warning signs of decline
- changes in weight, personal hygiene, or self care (grooming, toileting, eating, mobility)
- inconsistency taking medications (forgetting/skipping doses, taking too much, or at the wrong times)
- struggles with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, using familiar appliances, driving to regular destinations
- confusion about people, places, important dates, or the passage of time
- signs of depression: withdrawing from work/chores, favourite activities, or social interactions
- struggles to do simple tasks once managed with ease
- difficulty speaking or writing, such as an inability to follow conversations, repeating themselves, forgetting words, or misidentification
- a decline in standards for household chores and household maintenance
- forgetting information recently shared, memory lapses that interfere with daily living
- misplacing objects and putting others in unusual locations
- changes in mood, personality, or behaviour, such as confusion, frustration, suspicion, fear, anxiety, or depression
If you’re noticing some of these warning signs, and you’re concerned about your parent’s ability to manage, it might be time to start a conversation about premium senior living, which offers advantages to seniors and families. You might want to learn options for Assisted Living depending on how much help your parent may require — or start exploring whether it's time for Memory Care.
At Amica residences, seniors choose from Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care (as well as short trial stays or respite care). It’s a lifestyle that offers every resident the freedom to do what they like on their own schedule, surrounded by friendly people and experienced and knowledgeable staff to give peace of mind and support when needed.
Find out how residents are enjoying various amenities, activities, flexible dining and personalized care at Amica residences. Book a personal visit today.