There comes a time in most people’s lives when they realise that their elderly relatives are struggling to live on their own and they need a bit of help. If you are trying to look after an elderly relative, it’s important that you help them get the right kind of support. 

In some cases, you may decide to move your parents into your home so you can help look after them. Unfortunately, that isn’t practical for everybody and, in some cases, their health issues may be advanced enough that they require professional care. In that case, they either need at-home care or they need to move into a care facility. If you are looking after an elderly relative, make sure to look out for these common signs that they need professional care. 

Injuries 

Injuries are one of the most common signs that somebody is struggling. If your elderly relative has lots of bruises, for example, this may be an indication that they have fallen. They may also have burns because they find it difficult to cook safely. If you notice any injuries, ask them about it and find out whether there are certain tasks that they are struggling with. In some cases, it may be best for them to move into a full-time care facility, like the oast care home because they are not safe living on their own. Although they may not like this idea, their safety should always be the number one priority. 

Sudden Weight Loss 

Rapid weight loss can indicate a number of different problems. It may be that your relative is struggling to cook or they are becoming forgetful and missing meals. However, it can also be a sign of a serious health condition. If you notice that they are losing a lot of weight in a short space of time, it’s important to take them to the doctor and reconsider their care needs. 

Financial Problems 

Money management can be very difficult for elderly people, especially if they have cognitive issues. If they are in the early stages of a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s, they are likely to become confused about money management. If you notice that they are missing a lot of bills or they are paying out money to people that you don’t know, this is a serious cause for concern. Not only is it damaging their finances, but it could also be a sign that their cognitive health is failing and they need care. 

Unusual Behavior 

Any unusual behaviour in the elderly is a cause for concern. If they become confused about things or they are paranoid about things, they may have some kind of cognitive condition. If you notice anything that concerns you, it’s best to take them to the doctor for an assessment. Cognitive decline is a lot easier to manage if it is identified early and they get the care that they need. 

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your elderly relative needs professional care and you should start looking into the different options immediately. 

*Collaborative Post