It’s a moment so many of us dread, coming to the hard realization that an elderly parent or loved one is no longer able to properly care for themselves in their own home. It’s often a difficult subject to broach with them, they are proud and often in denial that they are no longer able to function the way they used to, and may even be in danger due to their reduced cognitive and physical abilities.
Having to decide it’s time to transition your senior loved one to aged care services in Victoria can be very uncomfortable and stressful for all involved, especially when they are resistant to the idea! So, how do you know when action must be taken for their own good and for yours? Here are some telltale signs to watch for:
Deteriorating Health – The first major red flag is any chronic health condition that is deteriorating more rapidly. An estimated 80% of senior adults suffer from one or more chronic diseases, the leading contributor to deaths in those over 65! Attempting to manage the declining health of your loved one on your own can be an arduous and overwhelming task, it is really in their best interests and yours to hand that responsibility over to a team of trained specialists who are dedicated to the wellbeing of their elderly charges 24/7.
Deteriorating Hygiene – Noticeable negative changes in your loved one’s personal hygiene such as an unpleasant body odour, dirty finger and toenails that have grown too long and jagged, unkempt, greasy hair, bad breath and dirty, unbrushed teeth are all cause for immediate concern. This poor hygiene is a result of self-neglect, which is defined as “a person’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks”.
The following are some other warning signs of self-neglect:
Signs of weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition
Refusal to take medications or neglecting their medication regimen
Inadequate or no food in the house, or the presence of rotten food
Living conditions that have grown unsanitary
Unopened mail and notices
Utilities that have been shut off
If you see any of those warning signs you need to take action and intervene right away, this kind of serious self-neglect is one of the highest risk factors for early mortality among seniors, people suffering in this state are twice as likely to die as those who are receiving proper care!
Social Isolation – Along with self-neglect, social isolation is a major risk factor for premature death. Those elderly adults who are living alone with few remaining social ties, who have mobility issues or are hearing impaired, tend to become isolated due to those circumstances. Some seniors may also intentionally isolate themselves, but either way, the consequences are always negative. An isolated existence is usually associated with chronic diseases, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Isolation has also been shown to produce and exacerbate health conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The signs of unhealthy isolation might include withdrawal from social activities, a loss of interest in personal hygiene, poor nutrition, and unhealthy, dirty living conditions.
Any elderly loved ones undergoing these situations need you to get them help!
