The holidays are a wonderful time to gather and celebrate with friends, neighbors and family. For adult children who live in a different city than Mom or Dad, coming home for the holidays is a great opportunity to observe changes in mood, behavior or wellness that may be of concern.
The signs below may indicate that Mom or Dad may be ready for assistance:
- Inadequate meals, poor nutrition, or spoiled foods or groceries past their expiration date
- Weight loss, decreased energy, changes in levels of physical fitness
- Abnormally untidy house and clutter
- Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, unkempt personal appearance
- Unopened mail and/or past due bills
- Forgetting to take medications, taking the wrong doses, expired medications
- Frequent memory lapses, confusion, or forgetfulness
- Increasingly disorganized
- Unable to problem solve
- Lack of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past
- Changes in mood
- Unsafe driving
- Frequent falls
If you are concerned about any of the above mentioned points, it may be beneficial to look at the potential for in home help through a home health agency, or looking at a senior living campus for independent or assisted living.
Aging parents, family members, and a personal physician can work together as a team to determine behaviors that are related to the normal aging process, and those that may signal the need for more intensive services.
These options could include:
- Assistance at home, through an in-home care service provider, helps seniors stay as independent as possible in the familiarity of their own surroundings. Services could include light housekeeping, medication management, personal care, transportation, or nutritional support.
- Independent living in a senior based campus offers socialization, activities, a sense of community, and the option of adding some of the services above.
- Assisted Living provides a safe, socially robust environment that includes meals, daily activities, housekeeping, medication management, and higher levels of services as needed.
Considering a major life change such as providing an in home health provider, or considering moving a parent from their home to a senior community, can be a challenging decision process for both the parent and family members.
Individual preferences can vary, so taking time to do the research, asking good questions, and understanding all of the options available can help make the entire process easier. Contacting your local senior care provider is a great place to start in determining the best choice for your loved one, you, and your family.
For more information call us at 651-495-1819 or drop us an inquiry via this website.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!