Where does the time go? Christmas is upon us, and we’re about to embark on New Year 2024!
Spending precious time with my family over Thanksgiving weekend allowed me to notice how much my children have matured. It confirmed the immense pride Jon and I feel for all of their hard work in college and high school and provided us new opportunities to participate in more adult activities as a family.
Now that they are finishing their fall semesters and preparing for the holiday break, I know we will continue to share new, memorable experiences as a family, and I couldn’t be more grateful!
When I think about the holidays and spending time with family, it’s not just my adult children that have changed. Jon and I have aging parents and relatives who will be joining us for food, fun, and fellowship, and I will be paying close attention to notice 4 red flags that our senior loved ones may need help as described by AgingCare.
“Unfortunately, age-related decline can happen quickly, and, in many cases, older adults are determined to conceal or downplay any new or worsening problems they may be having. For many families, holiday visits are the only opportunity they get all year to see aging loved ones in person, so it’s important to pay close attention to their physical and mental health and their living situation. Absence, even for a short period, often allows us to observe a situation with fresh eyes upon our return. For this reason, visits during the holidays can reveal a great deal about our aging loved ones,” explains Gail M. Samaha of GMS Associates, a contributing writer at AgingCare.
Signs of Age-Related Decline You May Observe During the Holidays
- Weight Loss – There can be many explanations for a senior’s weight loss, however, it is important to evaluate the underlying cause(s). Cancer, dementia, depression, and certain medications can cause a reduction in appetite. Seniors who live alone may not feel motivated to go grocery shopping, plan and prepare meals, or clean up afterward, meaning they are likely not getting the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. If you notice weight loss in a senior loved one, encourage them (or accompany them) to their doctor for an evaluation.
- Changes in Balance and Mobility – How well are the seniors in your life moving and walking? If you notice a change in their gait or signs of pain upon movement, these could be indicative of joint, muscle, or neurological problems. These can also put them at risk of falling and suffering fall-related injuries like broken bones. Your senior loved one should see their doctor to discuss available remedies to keep them safe, such as pain management, physical therapy, in-home care, or ambulation devices. The fear of falling could prevent seniors from going out for social occasions which can lead to loneliness, depression, and accelerated frailty.
- Mood Swings and Changes in Behavior – While spending time with senior loved ones, inquire about their daily routines and favorite pastimes to discern if they are still actively participating. Are they still going to church on Sundays? Are they still playing their weekly card game with friends? “Look for signs of depression and anxiety, including withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in hobbies, and changes in basic home maintenance and personal hygiene. The latter can be an indicator of cognitive decline or other physical ailments like dehydration, which often happens to elders in the winter months and can be serious.” If you notice any sudden odd behavior, such as agitation or confusion, a doctor visit is strongly recommended to determine if a urinary tract infection (UTI) could be the culprit. UTIs are very common among elders and, while they are easily resolved with antibiotics, they cause serious symptoms that can mimic or exacerbate dementia-related behaviors. Additionally, if UTIs are left untreated, they can become septic and fatal.
- Changes in their Home Environment – If your senior loved one has always kept a clean and tidy home and kept up with their bills, but while visiting, you notice unopened mail, excess clutter, expired foods and medications, piles of dirty laundry, or scorched pans that were forgotten while in use, these may be signs of decline and the need for a family or professional caregiver to help.
If you notice any of these 4 red flags that your senior loved ones may need help, I encourage you to contact me at Home Helpers for a FREE Assessment so we can discuss the senior care services we provide to make life easier 24/7/365.
Our compassionate caregivers are background-checked, licensed, bonded, and insured, and they can provide the necessary support your senior loved one needs so they can stay independent in their home for as long as possible.
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently-abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Source:
AgingCare
