Why Failing to Recognize Aging Parents Health Problems Can Make Life Difficult for Adult Children

Failing to recognize aging parents health problems can make life difficult for adult children who become their caregivers. How can adult children recognize when the health of aging parents is beginning to fail?

Learning about conditions like frailty, geriatric syndromes, and failure to thrive can help family caregivers recognize the health problems of elderly loved ones before they become worse.

When aging parents refuse to acknowledge their health problems, the burden of care can fall on their children or other family members. Caring for elderly parents can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive when their caregivers pay for care costs.

In this video, caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson describes aspects of frailty, geriatric syndromes, and failure to thrive so that you can identify early or worrisome signs that a parent's health may be changing to take action. You will gain a better understanding of:

* Frailty
* Geriatric syndromes
* Failure to thrive
* How one illness can lead to greater health problems for the elderly
* The importance of being proactive with medical care for aging parents including taking parents to regular doctor appointments
* Recognizing that while caregivers want the best for parents, parents must also take an active role in their health and well-being

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[geraldinegranger]

I’m glad you included that this could fall on paid caregivers. My elderly parents refuse to plan or even discuss their future. “Someone will deal with it” is all they will say - a lifelong pattern. That “someone” does not have to be the adult daughter.

[jann]

Thanks for speaking of the connection between-
Physical activity and sluggishness;
Geriatric syndrome events chain;
UTC and mental confusion;
BP and heart condition.

Failure to thrive - was eye opening- as it is a covert risk and creeps up on the elderly.

The direct and uncomplicated way of explaining is helpful.

[AmandaStone-wkuv]

I've been dealing with my stepfather's declining health since the beginning of June. He has a nu.her of health issues and was diagnosed with failure to thrive. He left the rehab hospital with services set up (visiting nurse, physical therapy and home health aid), but he cancelled/refused services once home. I'm doing the bulk of taking care of his needs with one brother helping out when he can. He continues to decline, isn't strong enough for many of the diagnostic tests they'd like to do. He's lost over 35 lbs in less than 6 months, and 12 lb in 3 weeks. He's disappearing before my eyes. I'm exhausted and he has no interest in anything.

[bluesdirt]

My father in-law has 5 daughters that keep him busy especially my wife!