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Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

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Signs Your Aging Loved Ones Need More Care

By Kerri Dean

Watching a loved one age and begin to have difficulties with daily tasks and functions is difficult for all involved.  Whether it’s a grandparent, parent, or even a spouse, the question of when to start looking for assistance can be confusing.  What are some signs that my elderly loved one needs help?  What are some red flags to watch for?

If you notice that your once neat and tidy parent is now living in a dirty and cluttered home, it might be time to look into assistance.  They may say that this is because they are busy or have been exhausted.  However, if it continues, it is probably more than being tired.

Drastic weight loss should be on your radar as well.  This could be the result of many situations.  Perhaps they are depressed, are no longer interested in cooking, or just forget to eat.  This should be monitored closely and addressed accordingly.  A nutritionist, therapist, or even an in home care taker to cook for them may be a solution.

Poor hygiene or dirty clothes may indicate that your loved one may be depressed, sick or forgetful.  Be sure to make note of their personal cleanliness when you see them. If the situation does not change, it may be time for help with bathing or laundry.

A big one to watch for is difficulty driving.  This can be dangerous not only to the aging adult, but to others on the road.  When you see signs of poor driving, never hesitate to offer to drive, or arrange for other means of transportation.

If you observe cuts, scrapes and bruises, this is a tell-tale sign that your loved one is probably falling or bumping into furniture or other objects.  These are all indications that your parent is no longer physically capable of navigating life without assistance.

Forgetting to take medications, missing doctor’s appointments, misplacing items on a consistent basis are warnings of memory loss. Although some cognitive impairment and memory loss is unavoidable with age, when it begins to endanger your parent's life, you'll need to step in.

Unpaid bills and piles of untouched mail may signify a problem.  Paying bills and sorting through mail may have been an easy task for your loved one to complete.  When this job begins to be troublesome for your parent to finish, and they are in danger of financial consequences, be sure to assist in the process.

These are just a few circumstances to consider when deciding to intervene and offer assistance.  Many aging adults are skeptical when it comes to receiving help.  We must be persistent in this matter to ensure they are healthy, comfortable and safe.

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This information is provided by CarePatrol of Kansas City, a senior housing placement agency that serves the Kansas City metro and county areas. If you or your loved ones needs to find a new safe housing option, consider talking to a CarePatrol housing placement specialist. They will sit down with you, assess your needs and financial situation, and offer the best options they can find. They are also available for tours and guidance during your final search. You can contact a specialist at (816) 673-2507 or Tonyah@CarePatrol.com. Also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarePatrolKansasCity.