Does your loved one need help? Here are several warning signs to watch out for:
Difficulty walking — unsteady when standing, recent fall(s)
Poor grooming / personal hygiene — soiled clothing
Loss of appetite — changes in eating, cooking habits, spoiled outdated food in frig, little nutritious food in home
Diminished driving skills — recent accidents, near misses
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Reluctance to socialize
Difficulty concentrating — poor judgment Memory loss — forgetfulness, confusion Mishandled medications
Persistent fatigue — lack of energy Personality changes — irritability, sudden mood changes
Unopened mail — past due bills, mishandled finances
Poor housekeeping / home maintenance — unsafe conditions
January 14th, 2009
We feel a good home care provider should:
Convert potentially chaotic home-situations into manageable events — lowering anxiety, stress levels and blood pressure.
Act as a neutral third party between patient and doctor, a constancy that often encourages patients to speak more openly about their symptoms and concerns.
See home care as a means — with constant monitoring and treatment — to nurture your loved ones back to health.
Monitor and assess conditions on a regular basis and make necessary adjustments.
Make sure all significant implications, events and changes are understood.
Keep doctors informed of changes and follow-up, as required.
Adapted from: http://www.qualicare.ca/holistic-home-care.aspx
January 14th, 2009
Boomer children trying to discuss aging issues with their senior parents should consider the following:
Spend pleasant time together. Stay involved with their lives and above all enjoy your relationship.
Be aware of observing your parents’ behavior. Never jump to conclusions about them from a single observation. Take your time.
Approach your parents in a pleasant conversational manner. Discuss what you’ve observed over “the last while” and ask for their feelings and thoughts. Raise specific concerns using concrete examples.
Do not procrastinate. Talk sooner rather than later. If you know a parent has a health issue, trouble driving at night or some other issue address the challenge before a problem arises.
Never use patronizing language.
Work to find solutions that provide the maximum amount of independence for your parents.
Access help from professionals or relatives as your require.
December 20th, 2008
