2020 has been a difficult year. In particular, it has been a difficult year to be elderly. With COVID-19 making the world a dangerous place, many elderly people have been isolating and are anxious about their safety.
My mom and my oldest daughter are both care workers that work in the home with elderly people. They make sure they are safe, fed, and taken care of. This is a great option for when you can not be there. You can learn more about programs such as this by reading about this detailed NDIS Service provider in Sydney, so that you are able to make an informed decision as to whether this could be a good option for your loved one. This NDIS registration guide is helpful as well so that you can learn more about the service.
It’s an unfortunate fact that many elderly people aren’t good at asking for help. Younger generations are getting better at acknowledging their flaws and accepting when they aren’t coping, but older generations tend to soldier through without asking for help. So, here are 3 signs that your elderly relative needs help.
Their health is struggling
Because of COVID-19, your elderly relative might not be leaving the house as much – or at all. This is the right thing to do, as older people are more likely to get COVID-19 and face serious illnesses if they get the disease. However, the fact that your elderly relative isn’t leaving the house doesn’t mean they can’t still get unwell.
If their house is damp or cold they could get hypertension or a cold/pneumonia (if your relative is a veteran, make sure they know of the financial support they could receive, such as a VA disability for hypertension. Make sure they get what they are entitled to). Alternatively, elderly people can easily have falls in the home. So, keep an eye on your elderly relative’s health and make sure you flag up any concerns with their doctor.
They don’t call as often
If your elderly relative isn’t calling as often, they could be feeling down or depressed. While it’s safest for the elderly to stay indoors at the moment, this creates the possibility of becoming lonely and developing geriatric depression.
It’s important for those who are staying at home to continue connecting to the outside world. This can be difficult for older people, though, who may not use the internet or be good with technology. So, make sure you call your elderly relative regularly to check-in. If you think they might be depressed, speak to their doctor.
They aren’t eating
If your elderly relative isn’t leaving the house, they might start to ration their food so it doesn’t run out. However, this isn’t healthy. Your relative needs to be eating regularly, intaking balanced and nutritious meals in the right quantities. And, there’s plenty of food to go around. Rationing simply isn’t necessary.
If your elderly relative is worried about food, it might be useful to start doing their grocery shop for them. This way, they’ll have everything they need without having to leave their home. You can leave the shopping on their doorstep so you don’t put them at risk by entering the house. Alternatively, you could help to set up an online grocery service for them, so food can be delivered to their doorstep. Don’t let your elderly relative go hungry.
Girl on Fire
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