Knowing the Signs

The holidays are just around the corner and for many that means heading home to spend time with loved ones. For adult children, the season may uncover signs that seniors need a little extra help at home, if they know how to look for those signs.

While independence is top-of-mind for most seniors, they are also reluctant to ask for the kind of help that will keep them comfortable and safe at home. That’s why it’s important for family members to look for the signs that their older loved one is starting to need help at home. Recognizing those signs can help keep a senior in their home, where they want to be, and reduce the risk of an issue in the year ahead that could threaten their continued independence.

Seniors often don’t recognize when they could use some help. That’s why adult children need to help identify where their loved ones need assistance.

To make this process easier, We've put together 10 simple steps and signs families can use to look and see if their aging loved one may need some additional support.

10 Look-and-See Signs of Aging:

1. Look in refrigerator, freezer and cabinets. Has food spoiled because Mom can’t get to the grocery store? Does she have difficulty cleaning tight, cluttered places?
2. Look over the grocery list. Has your loved one’s declining health prompted her to purchase more convenience and junk foods, and neglect proper nutrition? Is she losing weight?
3. Look on top of furniture and countertops. Dust and dirt can be signs that household tasks are becoming more difficult for your parent.
4. Look up at fans and ceilings. Has the inability to lift her arms and climb stepstools prevented your loved one from cleaning high places? If so, caution your senior not to climb.
5. Look down at floors and stairways. Have shaky or weakened hands spilled drinks and food, soiling vinyl, wood, carpets and walkways? Are there tripping hazards from carpets or furniture? Are stair rails, steps and sidewalks clear and secure?
6. Look under beds and sofas. Is Dad having difficulty organizing old newspapers, books and magazines, which are creating a fire hazard?
7. Look through the mail. Is Mom’s keeping up with her bills and correspondence?
8. Look below bathroom and kitchen sinks. Is Dad forgetting to refill medications and to take them on schedule? Check the refill date against the number of pills in the bottle to help determine if he is taking medication regularly. Or call the pharmacy.
9. Look at your senior’s appearance. Is clothing dirty and wrinkled, and is your loved one neglecting personal hygiene?
10. Look to your parents’ neighbors and other close friends to learn about their daily routine. Are your seniors at home more, watching television and avoiding stimulating conversation and companionship?

Seniors’ expectations for remaining at home are high. By helping adult children identify the types of resources a senior might need to remain independent at home, we hope families can avoid some of the stress that goes with caring for an aging loved one.

Home Instead Senior Care of Naples, Fort Myers and Charlotte County offers assistance with basic tasks – such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship and medication reminders. Success performing these activities of daily living often mean the difference between whether a senior can stay at home or has to go to a care community.

It NEVER hurts to ask. Our goal is to be a resource to help you through this process and you'll never be pressured to sign up.

Call us today at (239) 271-2788.