Visiting your aging parents this holiday season? Use the occasion to take an inventory of how safe they are in their home. It’s sometimes difficult to recognize the subtle signs of decline that could put them in danger ... or tip you off to health issues that may be going untreated. Use your five senses to help you pick up on red flags that may need to be addressed.
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Vision
Watch your dad and his reaction to his world. Is he responsive to the people around him? Does he mention friends and activities that interest him? If he appears disinterested and isolated when he’s normally engaged, this could signal depression or that he may be declining mentally. Discuss this with an appropriate family member or caregiver who might be able to bring it to a physician’s attention. Watch for physical limitations also. Does he have difficulty climbing up and down stairs? How about getting into the bathtub or shower? It may be time to make modifications, such as installing a chair lift or rails to assist him in the bathroom ... or even a walk-in tub or shower ... or even to suggest physical therapy to improve his mobility.
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Hearing
Listen when your mom talks. Does she slur her words? Stop mid-sentence forgetting names and places? Does she repeat herself? You may be tempted to chalk them up to old age, and that might be all it is. But in some cases, these signs could suggest mini-strokes or early onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Check with her physician if you have concerns.
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Smell
Shift your nose into high gear. Are there strange smells emanating from your patents’ refrigerator, kitchen cupboards or garage? Are their clothes soiled, unwashed or unironed? They might be having a hard time keeping up with day-to-day housekeeping and self-care. Hire an affordable, dependable house cleaning service to clean and disinfect the kitchen and bathroom once a week. Suggest a weekend cleaning party to organize the garage.
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Touch
Assisting parents with their finances is arguably the most difficult area to navigate. The only way to inspect the contents of ledgers and files is to acquire an Enduring (or Continuing) Power of Attorney, which allows you the right to provide financial, tax and property assistance. Reviewing financial documents provides the best assurance they are managing bank accounts, bill pay and meeting payment deadlines for health, house and auto insurance policies. First and foremost, it is imperative to protect their privacy and maintain their feelings of safety and independence. For more help, go to www.caregiverstress.com for advice on how to start the conversation.
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Taste
Savor a delicious holiday meal with your parents while on the lookout for lack of appetite or indigestion following the meal. Nutritious food is essential and should be made available daily. If meal preparation seems to be a challenge, check into a local catering service that may be able to supplement their diet with nutritious meals without the burden of preparation. Meals on Wheels is also an option. Enjoy a glass of wine together, but watch for alcohol overindulgence that can lead to a fall.
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Senior Safety
Visiting your aging parents this holiday season? Use the occasion to take an inventory of how safe they are in their home. It’s sometimes difficult to recognize the subtle signs of decline that could put them in danger ... or tip you off to health issues that may be going untreated. Use your five senses to help you pick up on red flags that may need to be addressed.
Thinkstock
Senior Safety
Visiting your aging parents this holiday season? Use the occasion to take an inventory of how safe they are in their home. It’s sometimes difficult to recognize the subtle signs of decline that could put them in danger ... or tip you off to health issues that may be going untreated. Use your five senses to help you pick up on red flags that may need to be addressed.
