Many seniors want to maintain their independence by remaining in their homes for as long as possible. Moving to an assisted nursing facility or retirement community may not be appealing to your elderly parent, however, he or she may be unable to live independently anymore.
Fortunately, the aging adult may not need to leave home because senior home care in Elmhurst can provide in-home care options. If you notice any of these telltale signs, your elderly loved one may need in-home care.
Spoiled Food
If you notice spoiled food in your elderly parent’s refrigerator, he or she may need an in-home caregiver. Eating expired or moldy foods can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses in aging adults, especially those who have preexisting medical conditions or poor immune function.
While everyone has probably accidentally let food go bad in the fridge, if you consistently find large amounts of spoiled food in the refrigerator, the older adult may be declining cognitively.
Unpleasant Odors
Aging adults with memory problems or dementia may lose interest in taking care of their hygiene needs. They may also be unable to perform household chores such as taking out the garbage, cleaning up after pets, and maintaining the overall cleanliness of the home. Because of this, unpleasant odors may permeate the air in the home as well as the furniture, carpets, and draperies.
If pet accidents are not quickly cleaned up from the carpeting, illness-causing bacteria and fungi may develop, making your loved one sick. If your elderly parent develops memory problems, the pets in the home may be at risk for unintentional neglect.
If you believe your senior loved one needs help at home, find out more about senior home care in Elmhurst by calling Home & Hearth Caregivers.
