Have you noticed your adult parent no longer keeps up their personal hygiene, has stopped taking their medications or wants more time alone? These could be signs of senior self neglect. According to a report from the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System, more than 40% of elder abuse cases are a result of self-neglect. However, there are many other cases that go undetected. Knowing what signs to look for can keep your loved one from falling down a path of poor health. Learn tips to help you recognize and prevent senior self neglect for an elderly parent.
Understanding Senior Self Neglect
Senior self neglect occurs when an elderly person is no longer able to meet their basic daily needs on their own. Some circumstances that can make your adult parent more prone to self-neglect include the following:
- Physical disability
- Cognitive decline or dementia
- Depression
- Living alone
- Financial stress
- Grief
Staying aware of your loved one’s responses to various life changes is a great way to know if self-neglect is happening.
Warning Signs of Senior Self Neglect
You may not notice the signs of self-neglect right away. To prevent your loved one from consequences such as poor physical and emotional health, it’s good to be mindful of certain physical or emotional changes.
Some key signs can include:
- Poor personal hygiene or strong body odors
- Malnutrition and poor eating habits
- Excessive weight loss
- Poor medication management / refusing to take medication
- Financial mismanagement (unpaid bills, bounced checks)
- Disinterest in connecting with family and community
If you start to see these behaviors consistently, they could be signs that home care is needed for your loved one.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Senior Self Neglect?
Consequences of poor hygiene in elderly parents can result in serious health and safety concerns that should be addressed immediately. Before planning to intervene, evaluate the situation carefully and talk with your loved one. They most likely see no need in asking for help or receiving help from family members. However, you want to remind them that their wellbeing is your priority.
How Do You Talk to Your Loved One About Outside Support?
Even if the best solution is to hire in-home help for your adult parent, they may be reluctant at first. Many seniors want to maintain their independence and will resent even well-meaning involvement in their daily activities. It’s important to respect their agency and remind them of the benefits of having someone who can help them in their healthcare journey.
Still unsure how to handle the conversation? Here is a tip from one of our expert caregivers, Nurse Beckie:
“It’s not easy to tell an elderly loved one that they’re not taking proper care of themselves. But it’s best to approach the topic and talk to them as soon as you think there may be something wrong. Be sensitive to how they are feeling, but also let them know that you are worried and that you want to help.”
Find the Best Help for Elderly Parents at FirstLight Home Care
If you recognize signs of senior self neglect in your loved one, knowing who to turn to can make all the difference. FirstLight Home Care offers exceptional personal care for elderly adults who could benefit from additional support in their daily activities. Our caregivers are not only experts in their field, but they also go above and beyond to help clients have their best day every day. Contact us today to hire a local professional in-home caregiver in your area.