A Few Signs That Elderly Family Members May Need Help
Jan 28, 2016 by Eydie Shapiro
At some point, many of us notice changes in our parents and other elderly family members, and we attribute them to the natural process of aging. However, there are some changes that we need to take more seriously and consider steps that can help make life easier and safer for our loved ones.
Here is what you might look for:
Visibly poor personal hygiene:
- Unkempt hair
- Unshaven
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Messy home;
- Newspapers and mail are in piles around the home
Stops going out;
- Isolates themselves from good friends and family.
Becoming forgetful;
- Missing appointments
- Not paying bills
- Forgetting to fill prescriptions and not taking medications
Writing checks to scam organizations that frighten older folks into believing they will lose their Medicare - This happens a lot during Presidential elections.
Display of unusual behavior that is opposite to the person's usual demeanor;
- Being loud or overly quiet.
- Becoming agitated and paranoid.
Although it is difficult to impose yourself on elderly family members who live independently, there are a few things you can do.
Make it a point to stop in to visit
- Share a meal.
- Spend enough time so that a meaningful conversation can occur.
For a messy home;
- Ask if you can help clean or
- Suggest a cleaning person. Offer to pay for this service.
Speak to your loved one’s Doctor. If you have never taken your loved ones to the doctor, consider offering to accompany them on their next visit.
Bring up conversations about Medicare.
- Reinforce with your loved one that no one is taking their Medicare away.
- Deal with fraud right up front.
- Do not make your loved one feel stupid for falling for this scam; Tell them you also received mail like this and threw it away.
These are complex issues to tackle. Be respectful of your loved one's independence and the years they have spent living a successful life. Move slowly if change is needed, and always imagine yourself in their shoes. After all...you might be there yourself, someday. Call us today to learn more.
