Q:
I haven’t seen my grandparents in over a year. I will be spending a
week with them during the holidays. I know they are getting frail
but how will I be able to determine if they are at the point where
they need assistance at home?
A: Over the
years we have noticed an increase in calls to the agency immediately
following the holidays from family members looking for information
about available services in the community. For many relatives who
live long distance this is the time of year they manage to get home
and spend some time with their loved ones. They often have a rude
awakening when they realize older relatives have experienced
significant physical or mental deterioration over the past year.
The Administration
on Aging and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
suggest family members pay special attention to several “warning
signs”, clues that all may not be well with older relatives.
Has your family member:
 |
Have you noticed
your relative has lost weight over the last year, had a
significant decrease in appetite or appear to have lost interest
in eating? |
|
Is it obvious
they are being neglectful about personal care and bathe
infrequently, wear dirty clothes, have bad breath or dirty
nails/hair? |
|
Have they
started to isolate themselves from friends and family or dropped
out of activities and groups that were once a very important part
of their life? |
|
Are you aware
that bills are going unpaid, money has been mismanaged, medical
appointments have been missed and not rescheduled or prescriptions
remain unfilled? |
|
Have long time
acquaintances expressed their concerns over recent bizarre
behavior, forgetfulness, confusion or signs of depression? |
|
Has anyone
noticed burns, bruises or cuts, which might be indicative of
general weakness or falls? |
These indicators
may not be a signal of immediate danger but they definitely send up
a red flag that intervention on part of family members and physician
may soon be required. Now is the time to find out what services are
available, which ones might currently be appropriate and what
options should be considered for future access.
The Eldercare
Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can identify aging programs
throughout the nation. If you are concerned about an older family
member and would like to speak with someone about local services
call our Age Info Center at 1-800-892-0890.
