Seniors

What to Watch for When Visiting an Elderly Loved One

SeniorsThe holidays are the time when we visit elderly friends and family that we may haven’t seen in a while. They may be staying at home, in an independent living in peoria, in an assisted living facility or to any of senior communities. While it might not be a popular subject to discuss over Thanksgiving dinner, it is a good time to take note and make sure you loved one is safe. This article will discuss the top 4 reasons to cause concern when visiting your elderly loved one.

1. Weight Loss. Significant weight loss can signal health problems that include depression, dementia, and cancer. Some seniors may feel more fatigue and place less purpose on shopping and preparing nutritious foods, especially if they are alone. Other seniors may be experiencing side effects of medicines or the mismanagement of medicines.

2. Mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated three million people are treated at emergency departments each year for fall-related injuries like hip fractures. Watch to see if your loved one is having trouble getting around, holding onto furniture, or avoiding stairs. Ask about any visible scratches or bruising.

3. Mood. Seniors living alone are more likely to be depressed and it’s not always easy to identify. Watch and listen for signs of depression. Signs may include a distancing from friends and social events, less interest in hobbies, decline in cleanliness of the home, piles of mail, and trouble sleeping.

4. Personal Care. A decline in hygiene is also a significant cause for concern when visiting with your elder. The inability or lack of desire to shower, get dressed, comb hair, and/or brush teeth are signs that your loved one needs help. Communities like Harvest Home & Inwood Crossing can help your elderly loved ones with this. You may also check out sites like fallbrookglenseniorliving.com/ for other options.

While the family may be engaged in the joy of holidays, it’s important to find time to communicate the observations. Open communication with your elderly loved one and their closest friends and family will help lessen or avoid a future emergency situation if one should arise.  You will want to identify the friends and family who can support the elderly loved one, as well as understand the care needed now like assisted living with memory care options, and create a plan for the future. Check out this assisted living in ocoee or sites like orchardparkatvictorylakes.com/assisted-living/ to get an idea of their amenities.

If you find that your loved one may have a need for help with any or all of the items above, you can visit Lake Meadows Senior Assisted Living. Caregivers are one-on-one with residents everyday. Communities like Riverpoint of Kerrville have daily events, activities and outings that give seniors purpose. Seniors in a community continue to be social and have a place to belong (find more info here). Visit sites like terrazacourtseniorliving.com to know more about senior living.

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