Nobody wants to admit to themselves that their parents have grown old and frail. It’s a stark reminder that time marches on and life is not forever. But there are certain realities that must be faced if we are to keep our loved ones safe.
Here are some signs to watch out for which, if they are occurring more frequently, may point to mum or dad needing some extra help:
- Missed appointments
- Appliances left on
- Unclean house/laundry piling up
- Unexplained new dents in the car
- Empty fridge/spoiled food
- Poor personal hygiene
- Forgetting to take medications
- House and/or garden appears neglected
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Depressed mood or extreme mood swings
Spotting one or more of these clues is not necessarily cause for alarm in itself; it may just be an isolated incident. But if there are multiple instances of one or more, it may be time to chat to mum or dad about ‘getting some help around the house’.
Help from family members may be easier for them to accept in the short term. If this is not possible, you may need to consider paying for support services like house cleaning, shopping and gardening. You can also contact the MyAgedCare hotline on 1800 200 422 to request an aged care assessment to determine your parents' eligibility for government subsidised services.
Speak to us if you would like more information about the range of aged care options available to older Australians living at home.
Used with permission Aged Care Steps Pty Ltd.
Factual Advice Warning: Any information provided in this website is purely factual in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. The information is objectively ascertainable and is not intended to imply any recommendation or opinion. This does not constitute financial product advice under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
