When some symptoms show up, you and your aging adult might want to just blame them on aging. The problem with that approach is that some of those signs aren’t just about growing older.
Trouble Sleeping or Staying Awake
It’s a common assumption that aging adults want to do everything earlier. They eat at the Early Bird Special hours and they hit the hay at an early hour. But that’s not necessarily true and it might be that your senior finds herself nodding off when she would rather be awake. She might have a poor sleep schedule or she might be experiencing something else. Her doctor can help you figure it out.
Losing Weight without Trying
If your elderly family member is trying to lose weight and she successfully does, that is one thing. But if she’s not trying to lose weight and you realize that she has lost a good bit, that’s a problem. She might not be eating well or she could have some health conditions that are creating issues. It’s vital to rule out what is causing the weight loss so that you can help.
Walking Slower or More Stiffly
Joint and mobility problems are common in aging adults, but that doesn’t mean that your senior will automatically start walking slower or more stiffly at a certain age. She might be afraid of falling, which can make her walk awkwardly. Or she might have an underlying health issue that hasn’t been addressed yet and that needs to be done.
Being Cranky or Irritable
Cranky or irritable behavior is not something that only old folks experience, of course, but it’s often blamed as just a sign of growing older. In reality grouchiness, especially if it’s new or out of character, can be an indication that your aging adult is dealing with something else. She might have some new physical symptoms that have her worried or she might even be depressed. The irritability is a side effect of something else typically.
Tremors or Shaking in Extremities
Shakiness or tremors can be an indication that your senior is overly tired or that she’s under stress, but it can also be a sign of scary health issues such as Parkinson’s disease or even a stroke. This type of symptom is definitely one that you want to talk to her doctor about right away.
Some of these signs may not be ones that you recognize quickly, especially if you’re only able to spend a certain amount of time with your aging adult. But elderly care providers can help you to spot these potential issues much more quickly. They can spend time around your senior and they know what to watch for in terms of behavior and other signs.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in The Energy Corridor, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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