Home for the Holidays: Did You Notice Changes in Aging Loved Ones?

The holidays are a time for family get-togethers. You may see relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Did you notice changes in an aging loved one?

Illness or injury can change a self-sufficient senior into a person who needs help in the home. Many don’t want to admit they need help. They’re concerned about losing their independence. But the sooner we recognize the clues, the better the chance of avoiding a crisis.

That’s where home health comes in.

Here are some warning signs that someone you love may be struggling with the ordinary demands of life:

1. Difficulty doing basic tasks: Is it getting harder to walk, dress, eat or cook?
2. Poor cognitive skills: Does the person have trouble answering questions? Is it hard to remember familiar places and names?
3. Poor hygiene: Does the person take fewer baths or look sloppy? They may be too weak to groom themselves as they normally would.
4. Failure to handle money correctly: Watch for unopened mail, unpaid bills, or banking problems.
5. A change in eating habits: Empty cupboards and refrigerators may mean they don’t have the energy to cook meals or have had a loss of appetite. It may also be a sign of health concerns.
6. Changes in health: Has the person lost weight or bladder control? Have there been significant vision loss or appetite changes?
7. Increasing isolation: Has your loved one lost interest in friendships, activities, or hobbies? Does he or she live alone and keep the curtains drawn day and night?
8. Changes in attitude: You should be concerned if your loved one talks about being depressed, argues more than usual, or seems paranoid.
9. Decline in housekeeping: Stains on the carpet or floor can mean they are dropping or spilling things. This can be a sign of muscle weakness or movement problems. Scorched pots may be due to memory lapses.
10. Safety concerns: Has the person been leaving the house unlocked or forgetting to turn off the stove? This can be dangerous.

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If you noticed these or other medical issues with aging loved ones, please get in touch to speak with a home health expert. We’ll discuss your concerns and see if your loved ones could benefit from home health.

With a doctor’s order, nurses can come to the home for an assessment of health and safety. They can teach your loved ones about health issues like diabetes or pulmonary disease. They can verify medications are being taken correctly. Physical Therapists can help with strengthening muscles and reducing the risk of falls.

The home health team provides short-term care to help those you love live safely and independently in their own homes. If your loved one has traditional Medicare, there is no out-of-pocket expense for these services. If home health sounds like the right solution for your loved one, get in touch today.