As your parents reach the age when they start to have difficulties with the normal activities of living, you'll need to step in and help out. One goal, according to the Mayo Clinic, is to assist them in keeping their independence. After all, they've probably worked hard, and they want to enjoy some of the rewards. However, there are still some difficult situations and decisions you may face. Watch for warning signs and be aware of available resources and services in your area.
A Change in Eating Patterns
Look for signs that your parents have changed their eating patterns. This may show up in weight changes or lack of interest in food. If this is a problem, perhaps your parents aren't able to cook for themselves anymore. There may also be a health reason, such as dementia, depression or cancer, that accounts for their change in eating patterns.
Daily Living Activities
As people age, they may lose some of their abilities to continue with normal daily living activities. You may need to address some difficult decisions about placing them in an assisted living facility or have someone come into their home regularly to monitor food, medications, bathing and other activities.
Impaired Driving
Observe your aging parent while she drives. One of the most difficult decisions you may have to make is taking away your mother's car. If you doubt her abilities behind the wheel, have her tested by a professional. If someone continues to drive after she shouldn't, she's putting her own life as well as the lives of others at risk.
Home Safety
Constantly evaluate the safety of your aging parents' home. Does your parents' home have stairs that are tricky to navigate? If so, you might consider persuading them to move to a single-level house, condo or apartment. Is there an unusual amount of clutter in the home that might pose a health risk? Also look for fire hazards and basic home security safety measures that can make your parents' home safer.
Mobility
Watch your parents walk. Do you see shuffling, hobbling or other unusual gait? If so, the problem could be obvious, like arthritis or injury, but it may be something else. Sometimes, the use of a walker or cane will make a big difference, but it may take some persuasion to get him to use it.
Vision and Hearing
Sometimes a person loses her vision or hearing so gradually, she's not aware of it. However, if you see her squinting to read standard-sized print or not responding to a normal pitched voice, have her vision and hearing checked. She might resist, but you should be firm in assuring her that wearing stronger glasses or a hearing aid will improve her quality of life.
Depression or Confusion
The elderly are prime candidates for depression. This may be the result of losing a loved one, or it could be from personal health issues. If your parent appears despondent without an apparent reason, take him to his doctor for a professional diagnosis.
As people age, they may experience some confusion or dementia. It may or may not be Alzheimer's or another disease that causes memory loss. Sometimes all that's needed is a diet or medication adjustment. This needs to be monitored regularly by you and a health care professional.
