Physical and Cognitive Signs That You Need Help At Home
We all want to remain as independent as possible for as long as we can. Staying in our own home is important, but sometimes it can be difficult, especially if family and friends are a little further away.
Keeping active, both mentally and physically, is the best method of retaining that independence we all want. But there comes a time when you start to struggle to cope, and things can become difficult. So what kind of warning signs should you be looking out for?
Physical warning signs:
If you keep reasonably active then you should be able to stay independent for a very long time. A daily walk, even if it’s just a short stroll for 30 minutes, is all you need to keep your joints supple and retain your mobility.
Pains in your joints, especially knees and hips, could be an indicator that all is not well. If you’re starting to struggle to get up and down stairs, in and out of chairs, and generally find your mobility is compromised then it may be time to get a medical check-up.
For relatives, it’s important to look out for the physical signs that an older member of the family is starting to struggle. You may notice that they’re moving more slowly, or mention that they are having problems. Pay attention to these signals, and make sure your family member is getting the help they need.
It is often difficult to ask for help, so if you want to help then start with the little things like offering to take the bins out.
Cognitive warning signs
Just as important as the physical signs are there are cognitive indicators that you may need help. We all have moments when we forget why we walked into a room, or what we were supposed to be doing. That’s a simple fact of getting older and is generally nothing to worry about.
However, if you are finding that your memory issues are becoming problematic, that it’s impacting your daily life, or that you even forget to do simple things such as eating a meal, then you may need to speak to a medical professional.
Sudden mood swings may also be an indicator of a medical condition that could be treated effectively, such as hyperthyroidism, which is very common and often goes undiagnosed.
Depression is also a key issue, especially for those who live alone or are geographically isolated. Age UK has campaigned for several years on the issue of elderly loneliness, and it’s a massive and very hidden problem for millions of people. That sense of isolation can have a massive effect on your physical health too.
Signs to look out for are a dishevelled appearance, poor home cleanliness, and a lack of communication or eye contact. These could be signals that the person is in distress and needs help.
If you need more advice on seeking help for an elderly relative or friends, check out the NHS website here.
