It’s that time of the year again. Temperatures are falling, days are getting shorter, and you’re gearing up for a holiday visit with your loved ones. Holiday traditions are a beautiful thing, but if you or your loved one has declined mentally or physically over the last year, then there might be some other emotions mixed in with all the joy and merriment. For some aging adults, the holidays highlight symptoms of decline or draw attention to their need for increased care.
How can you enjoy the holidays with your loved ones?
It can be difficult if you or family member is declining either mentally or physically, especially if you haven’t seen them in awhile. Preparing yourself for your time together, as well as what you may encounter, can be helpful as you head into the holiday season.
It’s natural to become alarmed, but important not to panic. Here are a few red flags to look for when visiting elderly person suggesting need for professional help .
1. Mobility-
If your loved one appears to be in pain while they’re moving, or they avoid standing and moving around the house, then this may be a sign of a problem. Perhaps they seem to be unsteady or report a recent fall. All of these may be signs that they’re at risk of falling, or they can no longer move freely enough to take care
of themselves on a day-to-day basis. Gently, but intentionally, inquire about their struggles and find out if they’re under a doctor’s care or would like help making an appointment to determine what the problem is. You may suggest that they can use Physical and or Occupational therapy at home.
2. Weight Loss-
Weight loss is a huge red flag because it’s associated with several mental and physical conditions. If your loved one appears significantly thinner than the last time you saw them, it could mean that they’re suffering from a physical ailment. Weight loss can also be a sign of dementia or depression or can signal that they no longer have the energy or mobility they need to fix regular healthy meals for themselves.
3. Home Environment -
Be on the lookout for drastic changes to their homes. Is your father’s hamper overflowing? It could be a sign that he’s unable to carry laundry to be washed. Are there scorched pans and unwashed dishes in your mother’s sink? This could be a sign that she’s been forgetting food cooking on the stove or can no longer handle doing dishes. Also look for piles of unopened mail, unusually dirty spaces, expired food or prescriptions, or other signs that they can’t care for themselves and their home as they once did.
4. Safety-
No one wants to leave their home. So declining seniors will do their best to cope where they are, sometimes at risk to their own personal safety. Does your loved one avoid going down to the basement to do laundry? Have they started sleeping on the first floor to prevent a fall down the stairs? Are they avoiding a regular shower because they’re afraid of slipping in the tub? They may be reluctant to admit their fears, but take notice of their habits, especially if these habits are new or signal avoidance of a location or activity inside of their house. Ensure elderly safety during the holidays by identifying potential hazards and working together to remove them or adapt them.
if your loved one needs more help during the holidays and throughout the year then there is no greater gift you can give give them than the security and peace of mind of being safe and cared for in their own home .
During this holiday season as a gift we are offering free 15 mins in home safety evaluation .
call us today to take advantage of this offer. 914-255-3256 .
Fax your Scripts to - 888-633-3020
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