They gave you the lovey you carried with you for years, tucked sweet notes and jokes into your lunchbox in your school years, and cheered the loudest at your high school graduation. Those happy memories of a parent filled with seemingly endless energy and love are something to cherish forever but are also part of what makes it so hard to watch that same parent decline as they age.
Oftentimes, we see signs that make us question things, but it can be difficult to know at what point we need to be more than a bit concerned. Here are a few things to consider.
1. Are they properly hydrated?
Hydration is important at every age, but it’s particularly critical in the aging population. Changes in body composition can lead to a decrease in thirst among seniors, but with continued demand on aging organs, hydration is more important than ever.
Watch your parent while you’re with them to note their proactive hydration—as in how often they hydrate without a reminder. Check that cups are clean and that their water source is safe.
2. Do they have access to reliable, healthy meals?
As the need to prepare meals for a family dwindles, some find that cooking for one or two is less enjoyable. Unfortunately, many of the convenient meal solutions, such as freezer meals, contain additives, excessive levels of sodium, and less vegetables than they should to be truly nutritious. If your parent cooks at home, consider safety as they age. For example, are they good about cleaning out their fridge and pantry for expired items? Can they safely reach down into an oven and lift food? Are they able to reach pots and pans, or do you need to adjust their kitchen (with their permission) to make things more accessible? Small changes can help immensely.
3. Are their medications up to date and accounted for?
Most aging adults will eventually need to adopt certain medications for their health. If there’s a cognitive decline, safely administering those medications can become more difficult, and at times, a missed medication can have more serious effects than skipping or forgetting at other times of life.
As they age, it may be as simple as helping them count out their pills into a pill sorter at the beginning of every week. Checking in more frequently may become necessary over time, and eventually, you may need to consider external help.
4. Can they safely maneuver their home?
The need to ensure your parent can safely move about their home is likely one of the most obvious concerns—and can be one of the most emotional, too. Stairs are the main culprit, but also check for areas like bathrooms to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
5. How is their cognitive ability?
No one wants to see a parent mentally decline, but it’s one of the most important things to watch for, particularly if the parent is hoping to age in place. Regular exams with their health provider are key, but so are your observations on regular basis. Watch for repeated sentences or activities, forgetfulness, and ability to self-manage and regulate patterns and activities.
