If you’re wondering if your loved one finally needs you to be her family caregiver, some of these clues might help you determine your loved one’s immediate needs.
Trouble with Regular Daily Tasks
Regular daily tasks can cover a lot of ground. Basically what you’re looking for in this category, however, is that your loved one is dressing herself, able to use the restroom, walks well, and is eating. Other activities can also fall into this category, too, especially if they’re ones that your loved one always does. Any big changes in these activities can be a sign of trouble.
Losing Weight
If your loved one is losing weight, you’ll need to investigate the cause. There could be health conditions that are causing the weight loss. Another possible cause is that your loved one isn’t eating as well as she should. Regardless of the cause, you need to know what is going on so that you can help her as necessary.
Trouble Keeping up with Housework
Housework can become extremely demanding if your loved one isn’t up for it. If she’s been keeping up with it and suddenly isn’t, however, there can be some reasons for that you should investigate. Hiring help to take over these chores for her can help your loved one to focus on what she truly needs to be doing.
Changes in Hygiene
Changes in your loved one’s hygiene can be upsetting because they’re a visual indication that your loved one’s life is changing. Your loved one may be experiencing depression or other issues that are keeping her from doing what she’s always done.
Trouble Keeping up with Cooking
Cooking for one is not enjoyable for everyone. If that’s the case for your elderly loved one, you may want to look for other options that can help your loved one. You or other family members might start cooking meals for her or you might find elder care providers who can help with everything from grocery shopping to meal preparation and cooking.
Some elderly loved ones will let you know when they need extra help. If your loved one doesn’t, however, you have to do some detective work.
