Old Food in the Refrigerator 

If you stock up your parent’s refrigerator with food on a regular basis, check the contents when you visit. If much of the food has gone bad, your loved one may be in the beginning stages of cognitive decline. 

Remind your parent to periodically check the fridge and throw out expired food items. Explain the health consequences of eating expired food, and avoid overstocking the refrigerator. Some foods may get hidden behind others and forgotten until they’ve expired. 

Remembering to throw away expired food can be challenging for seniors living with age-related cognitive decline due to conditions such as dementia. Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care South Orange County families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. 

Unpleasant Odors 

Whether on your loved one’s body or in the air, odors may mean your parent isn’t practicing good hygiene or is having difficulty keeping up with household chores. Whether your parent needs help with bathing or taking out the trash, he or she will appreciate your assistance. 

While it’s important to offer your help with the activities of daily living, avoid mentioning that he or she has offensive body odor. Instead, make sure his or her clothes are always freshly laundered, and keep tabs on his or her hygiene habits. If your parent is unable to live independently anymore, consider hiring a caregiver or companion. 

In addition to helping seniors maintain hygiene, professional caregivers can help with managing daily tasks as well. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading provider of elderly home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Weight Fluctuations 

If you notice a significant difference in your parent’s weight, make an appointment with the doctor. Both weight gain and weight loss could indicate medical problems, or they may suggest your loved one either forgets that he or she has already eaten and eats again or is forgetting to eat altogether. 

If your loved one’s weight is more prominent in the abdominal area, it may be the result of fluid buildup, which needs to be assessed by a physician as soon as possible. If your parent has lost a significant amount of weight, the doctor can investigate the possibility of both physical and psychological causes and recommend a therapeutic diet to help with weight gain. 

Poor Condition of a Pet 

Pets are great companions and can provide a sense of wellbeing. During your visit, evaluate the condition of your loved one’s pet to determine if its nails are too long or its fur is matted. Other things to watch out for are offensive pet odors, pet accidents on the floor, weight changes, and fleas. 

If you discover any of these problems with your parent’s pet, make an appointment with both the veterinarian and the groomer. The pet may be in poor condition because your loved one doesn’t feel well enough to care for it, or your parent may be experiencing cognitive decline.

Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading homecare agency in the communities of Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (949) 426-7300 today.