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Signs Your Parent Needs Help

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There’s a barrage of excuses we use to convince ourselves not to talk to our parents about senior care. “My dad isn’t suffering memory loss, he’s always been forgetful,” but when you add that to other signs that indicate something is wrong, you can’t make more excuses.

Remember, just because your parent needs help, doesn’t mean they need to move… but the longer you wait, the more likely “moving” becomes the only option.

Signs Your Parent Needs Help

  • Unopened mail
  • Overflowing mail
  • Warning bills from missed/overdue payments
  • Untouched medications
  • Full voicemail box
  • Empty food bowls for pets
  • Spoiled food in the fridge
  • Mood swings
  • Decline in personal hygiene
  • Wearing the same clothes
  • Weight loss
  • Pungent odor from dishes or trash buildup
  • Forgetfulness
  • Unexplained cuts, bruises and injuries

In addition, if your parent is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s – even if they’re showing none of these symptoms – it’s only a matter of time, so get help to slow the progression.

All of these are strong indicators that your parent needs help, and a combination of a few of these means you should talk to your parents about it pronto.

How to Talk to Your Parent about Elder Care

Being that this is a sensitive topic, you want to have an open discussion about it. Do not give commands or ultimatums, talk about it openly.

When you approach your parent (or parents), sit down and express concern for their wellbeing. List the sequence of events that brought you to this point and ask them what they think is going on. Listen, really listen.

If your parent agrees that it’s a problem, then ask them what the possible solutions are. In-home care is especially viable if your loved one needs a limited amount of help; someone to help with home maintenance, pay bills, and/or personal hygiene. When you catch the symptoms early enough, this is not wishful thinking but genuinely possible and our Care Advisors are more than happy to perform free in-home assessments to see if your elder can remain at home.

If however, your parent disagrees, cite your examples again. Above all, never degrade your elders by talking to them as though they’re a troubled teenager. Even if your senior gets upset, bear in mind how you would react if someone came to you with the same concerns. You may react negatively at first, but – given time – see the problem. It will not help to get mad at one another. Most of the time, seniors don’t want to be a burden to you or anyone else, but once you’ve opened up the conversation, they’ll know they can come to you.

Remember that confrontation is not a bad thing and it’s something you (we, as a society) need to talk about. Especially where dementia and Alzheimer’s are concerned, the symptoms do not go away, they worsen. You do not want to feel the guilt that comes from noticing a problem but doing nothing about it.

Let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help! We’ve assisted over 25,000 families in finding their ideal senior living solution, and we pride ourselves on getting it right the first time at no cost to families. Contact Concierge Care Advisors today to speak with a Senior Living Advisor and begin your journey with peace of mind.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

–Edmund Burke

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Concierge Care Advisors

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Concierge Care Advisors

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No Cost for Families

Our services are entirely free for families. We are compensated by the senior living community or retirement community we refer to, allowing us to help all families with this important journey at no cost to them.

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We thoroughly vet every community and professional we work with, ensuring you receive the quality service you deserve. We set benchmarks that matter and only partner with professionals and communities that meet our high standards.

Personalized Choice

With personal relationships with over 2,200 senior living communities throughout the State of Washington alone, including assisted living communities, retirement communities, and independent living communities, we provide more than 2,000 senior living options.

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You and your loved ones are our focus. From the moment we meet until the day your loved one moves in, we’re by your side every step of the way to ensure your family has the support it deserves. It doesn’t stop there either – stay connected for physician-informed guidance and knowledge to ensure your loved one is receiving the quality care they need.

Expertise Backed by Our Physicians Advisory Board

At Concierge Care Advisors, our team of Certified Advisors is enhanced by the insights and expertise of our Physicians Advisory Board. This panel of medical professionals plays a crucial role in shaping our senior care and transition services, ensuring they meet the high standards of quality and care that our brand is known for. With their guidance, we deliver a more comprehensive range of services, benefiting both families and healthcare professionals.

Our Physicians Advisory Board members actively share their knowledge with our community. They regularly contribute to #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast, where they discuss critical topics in senior care, and publish thought leadership articles on our blog and in industry publications. Learn more about our Physician Advisory Board here

These resources are designed to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about care options, equipping them with knowledge and providing peace of mind regarding senior health and living options. 

Listen to our Physician Advisory Board on #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast

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