***Collaborative post***
As you get older, so will your parents – well, that’s pretty obvious, but it means you have to start thinking about them more and more. Elderly people come with a range of concerns, some of which you desperately need to look out for. As your parents age, they become susceptible to issues that need looking after. Understanding how to look after these issues is crucial, so here are some health-related warning signs to be watchful for:
Falling over
If your parents start falling over quite frequently, this is a big sign that they have something wrong with either their balance or muscles. In either case, it’s an issue you need to take care of right away. Many elderly people have sadly died due to falling over, simply because their bones can’t handle the impact. If one of your parents falls over seemingly of no accord, it could be time to consider getting additional help for them. There’s going to be lots of high-quality care for your parents out there, it’s just a case of deciding whether they need in-home care or to go to a care home. If the falls become too frequent around the house, the second option may suit them best.
Forgetfulness
Most people get a bit forgetful as they get older, but there’s a limit to what is considered ‘normal.’ Forgetting little things is normal, but forgetting key things like people’s names, your phone number or why you left the house are major issues. If your parents start exhibiting signs of forgetfulness that keep getting worse, they most likely suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Again, they need help and care to deal with these conditions and calm the symptoms. If you see these signs and ignore them, it won’t be good for your parents. The sooner you treat forgetfulness, the easier it is to sort of delay the decline.
Difficulty walking
Do your parents seem like they are struggling to walk? Week after week, they seem to be able to walk less and less or become slower and slower. Obviously, you will move slower when you get older, but you should be concerned if either of your parents really seems to struggle to walk. If they complain of aches and pains in their joints, it’s a sign that you need to act. Consider helping them find a physiotherapist who can maybe spend time with them in the gym and work on improving their muscle mass and easing joint pain. It’s very possible to make it easier for someone to walk again if you catch on to things early enough. Ignore the signs, and your parents could end up in wheelchairs.
It’s ironic how your life begins with your parents being watchful over your every move, and then the roles are reversed later in life. It’s important to keep an eye on your elderly parents as they can easily show signs of various health problems. Your health is bound to decline as you get older, but that doesn’t mean you should accept a life of pain and health issues. Spot these warning signs in your parents to take action and make their lives better.
