Could It Be Alzheimer’s? : Signs to Look for in Your Parent’s Appearance

Elder Care Wynnewood PA

As a family caregiver it is your responsibility to help your elderly loved one cope with whatever health complications and challenges that may arise as they age in place. Doing this effectively is not just about making sure that you are aware of their diagnoses and following through with treatment plans as their doctor prescribes them. In order to truly keep your elderly loved one at their best it is important that you pay close attention to their health, wellbeing, and condition so that you can detect possible changes in their needs and address them as quickly as you can. Early detection is key in most situations to give your elder parent the most effective care possible.

One situation when this is absolutely the case is Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is no way to prevent, slow down, or stop Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can help your parent to get on a course of treatment that is right for them and will help them manage the condition in the way that fits with their personal care goals.

Some ways that your elder parent’s appearance can help you to detect the early development of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Seasonally inappropriate clothing. If your parent has chosen clothing that is not appropriate for the season, it could indicate that they are not feeling the temperature properly, or that they do not understand the link between the weather and their clothing. They may also be confused as to the current time of year.

• Stained or obviously dirty clothing. If your parent is wearing clothing that is obviously dirty, in poor condition, or has been worn for several days, your parent may no longer understand the importance of changing their clothing regularly. They may be confused about the passage of time or not realize that they have not changed their clothing as frequently as they should have. They may also be confused about properly caring for their clothing, including not doing the laundry as often as they should.

• Obvious grooming problems. Elders who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease often struggle to keep up with their proper hygiene and grooming needs. They may not bathe as frequently as they should or not groom themselves appropriately. This can result in messy hair, food or dirt on their skin, oily hair, improperly applied makeup, a messy beard or moustache, or fingernails and toenails that are too long or are dirty.

Simply because your elderly parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease does not mean that they are no longer able to live the lifestyle that they desire. Early cognitive decline and memory loss do not necessarily mean that your parent cannot live an independent and autonomous life aging in place, but it can mean that some assistance could be extremely beneficial.

Starting elder care for your parent can make a tremendous difference in their ability to live happily, healthily, and safely as they progress through their disease. Their elderly home care services provider can evaluate their needs and create a customized approach to care and assistance designed to address their needs while also supporting the most independence, activity, and engagement possible. This can include the care provider helping your loved one select appropriate clothing, remember to change their clothing daily or more often as needed, and even handle light laundry tasks to ensure that their wardrobe stays fresh, clean, and attractive.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Wynnewood PA, please contact the caring staff at Alpine Home Care. In PA call 888-743-0068. In NJ call (855) 410-1404.