Signs Your Aging Loved One Is Sick

The sad reality of growing older is that illness oftentimes comes along with it. If you have an elderly loved one in your life who has been struggling with day-to-day tasks or has been displaying other worrying signs, they may be suffering from some kind of illness. According to reports, 41 million Americans have been diagnosed with some kind of chronic condition that hinders their activity levels. Of that 41 million, 12 million are unable to live independently. Considering these numbers, it’s important to understand what your loved one is going through and what the necessary course of action should be. To determine what action should be taken, you should pay close attention to the initial signs your loved one is displaying. These signs will vary depending on the potential illness, but there are some common ones that should let you know that you should reach out for help.

Confusion with simple things, inability to do common household tasks, and poor hygiene are some of the most common signs that your loved one is sick. If this is the case, there are care options you can look into. One of the most favorable options is in home care services. If your loved one is sick, in home care gives the opportunity for them to receive professional help in the comfort of their own home. Before considering these options, you should know what these common warning signs mean for your loved one. Having a deeper understanding of what these signs entail will allow you to make the most informed decision when deciding on care options.

Not Taking Care Of Hygiene

One of the most common signs displayed when an elderly person is sick is the inability to take proper care of their own hygiene. Simple things like brushing their teeth, bathing themselves, or other hygienic tasks become difficult to complete. This can be because of pain caused by their possible condition or a loss of memory that is causing them to forget about their hygiene in general. A healthy individual pays close attention to their hygienic needs on a day-to-day basis, so if you see that your loved one is failing to do so, it can be a sign of deeper health issues. If this is the case, hiring someone for in home care services can prove beneficial for the safety and well-being of your loved one.

Changes in Physical Function

If you notice a change of weight due to an improper diet, your loved one could be having difficulty cooking or shopping for food. Struggling with these basic functions could mean they are experiencing the effects of some kind of underlying condition. You may even notice burns or bruises on their skin caused by problems with cooking or bad falls. An elderly person showing evidence of physical harm is a clear sign that they need help. Changes in mobility and overall physical function are some of the most important signs to keep note of.

Changes In Behavior And Mental Status

You might notice that your loved one is not acting the same as they usually do. Lack of drive or motivation, difficulty keeping track of time, changes in mood, or severe mood swings are all signs that something may be wrong. These signs can be caused by conditions that affect your loved one’s neurological state so it’s imperative that you don’t turn a blind eye. If this is the case, you don’t want things to further escalate before you set up the proper care. You can look into customized home care services that can be altered to the specifications of your elderly loved one to ensure they’re no longer causing themselves any harm.

If you have an elderly person in your life who is displaying these worrying signs, it can be difficult to know what to do on your own. Cypress HomeCare Solutions offers high-quality services that can bring you peace of mind. We pride ourselves on providing the best possible in home care and our team is dedicated to helping those in need. If you feel like the signs displayed by your loved one are especially worrying, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Our team is always happy to help in any way we can!