If you have aging parents that live far away from you, when you visit them you may want to take a look around for signs that they are no longer able to live on their own. While no one wants to face the reality of parents getting older, if you're not able to be close to them and help them out everyday, you may need to consider other living arrangements. This article will give you a brief overview on what you can look for when determining whether or not your aging parents are still able to live on their own. 

Use Your Five Senses 

The best thing you can do is use your five senses when determining if your aging parents need help. Look around the house. Is it kept up, or can you determine that they are having problems with daily house chores? Is the environment unsanitary or unsafe? You can get a good idea of how they are doing just on the upkeep of the house.

Do you notice any obvious physical changes in your parents? Weight loss or gain, or a general decline in personal hygiene? How is their balance and strength? Do they have issues getting up from a chair? Do they seem dehydrated and malnourished. How is their clothing, does it seem well maintained, washed and ironed? All of these simple things are big indications of how your parents are still able to care for themselves. 

Your parents may miss appointments or forget to take their medication, or be unable to recall specific events that happened a short time ago. These are also indications that your parents may not be able to continue to live without some type of assistance.

If They Need Care

It can be very difficult to approach your parents to talk about this important change. You want to enjoy the time you have visiting them, but you want to know that when you leave to return to your life, they are going to be able to stay healthy and cared for. One of the most difficult decisions to make is determining what type of care your parents will need.  You should talk with their medical doctor and even social services to determine the best options for them. There are options to have a home health care agency go into your parent's home and care for them on a daily basis, help with things like personal hygiene and transporting to and from appointments.

More serious cases may require your parents move into an assisted living facility (such as Harbor View Home). No matter what you decide, you should never ignore the inevitable, and you'll be a lot happier knowing you are returning home and leaving your parents in good hands. 

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