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| Know when to take an active role in making decisions for your loved one. |
Take an Active Role
There comes a time when families notice that their aging
loved ones have care issues that need to be addressed. Suggesting the need for extra help coming
into the home or introducing the idea of moving into an assisted living situation
is a difficult and sensitive subject to raise. Many elderly refuse to face that
their health-related challenges or limitations due to aging are serious enough
to warrant action. Fear of treading on
their loved one’s privacy and independence often limits families from broaching
the subject and taking an active role.
So how do you know if
it is the right time to take action?
There are several areas that family members need to look at when
determining if it is the right time to intervene in their elderly loved one’s
lives.
What to look for:
·
Medical Issues
– Often a diagnosis of a disease, illness or injury affects the quality of
daily life and requires active intervention.
·
Medication
Issues - Difficulties in managing medication dosage and frequency, or confusion
in changes in prescriptions can result in pills that are not taken and pose a
risk that needs to be addressed.
·
Behavior Issues
– Changes in behavior such as excessive anxiety, irritability, or social
withdrawal or depression can be the signal that there are underlying cognitive
issues, such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia, that should be checked.
·
Nutritional
Issues – Lack of healthy, nutritional food in the house, lack of balanced
meals, inability to manage grocery shopping, or clean out spoiled food from the
fridge all point to the need for help.
·
Mobility
Issues – Unexplained dents and scratches on the car can indicate changes in
reflexes, vision, and ability to respond to unexpected situations and can be
signals that continuing driving poses a great risk.
·
Hygiene Issues
– Noticeable body odors, lack of basic hygienic tasks and grooming, and
inability to choose clothing all are common signs that help is necessary.
·
Housekeeping
Issues – Daily living tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry plus
managing the household finances becomes difficult at some point for the
aging. When these tasks are continuously
left undone it is a clear indication that intervention is necessary.
·
Safety Issues
– Forgetfulness about keeping house locked and secure, carelessness with lit
cigarettes and gas stoves, and lack of safety features in bathroom can all lead
to accidents and are issues that require active family intervention.
A Difficult Discussion:
When
first raising the subject of getting additional help in the home or the need to
move to an assisted living facility, it is important to include your loved one
in the conversation. Involving them in
the discussion can alleviate some of their anxiety about making life changes
and make choosing a solution less stressful for all involved. Remember the goal
is to find a solution that provides the amount of care your loved one needs,
while maintaining as much independence as possible. It takes time and energy to shift through all
the options available. That is why it is a good idea to research all the elder
care solutions ahead of time. Then when it is time to intervene, you and your
loved one can make a smooth transition.
HomeAid Health Care which provides non-medical home
services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home. HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home
Assisted Living which has served the
physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since
1999. Together the two companies provide
comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.
