How do you know when you must seek assistive living or nursing care for your elderly parent? There can be numerous signs of health and mental decline that indicate a person’s need for assistance. If you see any problems in the following three areas, you might want to seek the guidance of health professionals in elderly care Missouri to help you determine what you need to do to help your loved one.
- Mobility
Are you concerned when you observe your parent walking? Have they experienced a fall in the past? Since falls can cause severe injuries such as broken bones and head trauma, your loved one’s mobility should be evaluated and monitored as soon as possible.
- Ability to Complete Daily Activities
Are you noticing issues with your parent’s hygiene or clothing? Do they have difficulty paying bills and cleaning their home or apartment? Can they drive safely and manage trips to the grocery store? Problems with these routine activities could indicate a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities.
- Memory
Signs of memory loss might include: getting disoriented in well-known areas, confusion regarding dates, time of day, and familiar people and asking the same questions repeatedly. Memory loss is a concern since it will affect so many other abilities your parent needs to remain independent.
Elderly Care Options
There are different levels of elderly care Missouri available for your parents. If in-home health care is not an option, you can research assisted living residences and nursing homes. Learn what is (and isn’t) offered at both types of facilities.
Dedicated elder care professionals should ensure that your parent is receiving timely medical treatment and monitoring. They should also encourage your parent to socialize and complete as many tasks as they can independently. To determine the best setting for your loved one, seek advice from your parent’s doctors or a geriatric care manager.
