9 Signs Your Aging Loved One May Need Help this Holiday

Tis time for holiday gatherings…while it isn’t over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house any more, we still feel responsible and concerned for Grandma and our aging family member and friends.

Distant care giving has become a major concern for many Baby Boomers today. So as you gather together this holiday season, use your powers of observation and look to see if there are tell-tale signs that help may be needed.   Remember, most elderly will not let you know they need help for fear of losing their independence and independent life style.

9 Tell Tale Signs that Help May Be Needed

Start with the greeting:

1. Observe if there are changes in personal care and hygiene …did Grandpa, who was always picky and persnickety about his hair and personal grooming, change to unkempt and unshaven?
2. Smell test-this may indicate there is bathing and personal care issues, such as can’t get in and out of the shower or tub unassisted.
3. Is clothing clean and fresh, or is the same gravy on Grandpas tie as last year?
4. Check out the refrigerator- are there fresh fruits and vegetables or is the refrigerator packed with outdated left overs that are spoiled? Is Grandma stocked up on high sodium TV dinners because it is too difficult to get to the grocery?
5. Medication problems- are there missed doses, doubling up on dosages, can’t remember the sequence or amount to be taken or how much per time, with food/without food, medications that are over-prescribed? Average senior takes at least 7 different prescription drugs.
6. Are there mobility issues? Is it hard getting up and down steps? Are there hand rails?
7. Lack of interest in keeping up with chores around the home? Dirty dishes piled high? Lapses in memory about turning off the stove? Housekeeping cleanliness, sinks cleaned, carpets vacuumed, early signs of hoarding? What can you do now to help them to catch up or overcome the problems?
8. Is Personal Safety overlooked? Throw rugs and extension cords are the most common cause of falls. Falls are number one reason seniors are admitted to hospital emergency rooms.
9. Are there financial issue clues? Is there mail piled up and unopened bills lying around? Are they easy prey for fraud and scams? Are they lonely and talk to telemarketer?

Here at Keeping In Touch Solutions our mission is to help our aging loved ones remain independent and living in their homes as long as possible.  We know that just a simple daily phone call can make a huge difference in the day of a senior who is living alone.  A simple daily phone call from a Keeping In Touch Solutions “care caller” can give a busy working daughter that much needed peace of mind, knowing that she will be contacted if there is a problem with Mom.

A daily check-in call could be the lifeline, the joy you give someone that makes the biggest difference in their perception of what old age is like.

Contact me at 317-480-1038 today. Let’s make a difference together.

I’m Diana Beam, Founder of Keeping in Touch Solutions. It is my heartfelt desire for every person to live a happy and healthy life in the place they call home, no matter what their age. You can’t put a price on peace of mind for your parents and yourself. It’s priceless . . . and significant.

For that reason, the goal of every Keeping In Touch Solutions program is to provide a caring connection and service that both the elderly and their caregivers can rely on to make living that good life easier.