Why Does Grandma Keep Saying She's Fine? Recognizing Hidden Struggles

Seniors often say they’re “fine” because they fear losing their independence or don’t want to burden their families. This can be especially true if they’re dealing with challenges like chronic pain, loneliness, or cognitive issues.

Unfortunately, these hidden struggles can negatively impact their mental and physical health, making it more challenging for them to manage daily tasks.

Recognizing these signs sooner than later is key to getting the support they need while helping them feel empowered.

Signs Your Elderly Parent May Need Help

Behavioral Changes to Watch For

• Skipping meals or losing weight could be a sign that a senior is having difficulty with appetite, managing their diet, or dealing with emotional struggles like depression.
• Increased forgetfulness or confusion may point to more serious cognitive issues, such as early-stage dementia or other health conditions that affect memory and concentration.
• Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies often happens when a senior feels isolated, overwhelmed, or physically unable to participate in the things they once enjoyed.

Emotional Struggles in Aging Parents

• Increased anxiety, restlessness, or irritability might show that a senior is feeling stressed out by changes in their health, surroundings, or life in general.
• Being reluctant to talk about health or everyday struggles is often because they don't want to worry their loved ones or feel like they're losing their independence.

The Impact on Family Caregivers

• Emotional stress and worry about missing the signs can leave families feeling overwhelmed and unsure if they're doing enough for their loved ones.
• Balancing caregiving with work and family responsibilities often leads to burnout, making it hard to juggle everything simultaneously.
• Feeling uncertain about when to seek professional help is common, as families want to do their best but aren't always sure when outside support is needed.

How Visiting Angels Knoxville Can Help

While you may try to help your grandma out as much as time allows, we know that it’s impossible when you have your own family and career to attend to. That’s why we provide support services to fill in the gaps, whether you need a few hours a week or more.

Recognizing Hidden Issues in Elderly Parents

At Visiting Angels, we know it’s not always easy to spot when a senior loved one is struggling. Our caregivers are trained to notice things that might slip by, like increased anxiety or little changes in behavior.

We offer care that’s tailored to each person’s needs, from companion care to keep them engaged and combat loneliness to dementia care that helps manage memory loss and confusion.

We also focus on safety at home, helping seniors maintain their independence and comfort with services tailored to their needs.

Take the First Step to Support Your Loved One

If you're ready to support your loved one with compassionate care, we're here to help.

Reach out to us at Visiting Angels Knoxville for a consultation by calling 865-531-4833, or fill out our online contact form to get started. We’re here to provide the care and support your family deserves.