Recognizing Signs Your Aging Loved One Needs Assistance
For those who live far from their parents, the holidays are often a happy time of family reunions and catching up. But as loved ones age, this can also be a time of surprises for those who discover their aging loved one is showing signs of decline.
Patchogue, NY, November 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- “Aging adults that are facing new limitations often try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. It’s not uncommon for an out-of-town relative to be unaware of the changes their loved ones are facing. Holiday family gatherings can be a good time to assess how your loved one is doing,” said Lilleth Acevedo President and Director of Right at Home’s Patchogue offices, even if a loved one is experiencing new changes or challenges with age, are these changes serious? There are some key signs to look for that a loved one may benefit from in-home assistance.
First, make sure that your loved one is continuing to look after his personal appearance and hygiene as well as he used to. Warning signs could include wearing the same clothes over and over or neglecting to brush his teeth. If he is taking medications, watch to make sure he remembers when to take them, and that he knows what each is for. If he is not eating properly, he may be losing weight.
If visiting with your loved one at his home, you should also look for signs of neglect in the house. If the home looks that it is not getting its usual care, it could be that regular, simple maintenance chores such as dusting are not being performed. Keep an eye out for piles of unpaid—or even unopened—bills. Avoiding tasks such as this could be a sign that once manageable tasks have become overwhelming for your loved one. Keep a lookout for burned pots and pans, as well as food that is past its expiration date or molding.
Additional signs of a problem may be that your loved one is not taking proper care of a pet, is avoiding steps or having difficulty with them or has limited his contact with the outside world. If you see these signs in your loved one, it is time to speak up. You may not want to breach the subject during the holidays, but don’t wait too long.
“Planning for a loved one’s future needs as they age can be difficult and emotional for everyone involved. But it’s an important conversation to have to ensure those you care about get the help and care they need in the way they want it. The earlier you start the conversation, the easier transitions will be when they’re needed,” Acevedo said.
Prepare what you want to say to your loved one beforehand, and focus on “I” statements that express your concern to help him maintain the life he desires as he ages. Bring other family members into the discussion during the early stages so everyone is on the same page. This can spare you and your loved ones much discord later. If you expect it to be a difficult conversation, some experts recommend introducing the topic briefly and then agreeing on a later time to discuss in more detail after everyone has had time to reflect. Another option to consider is bringing in a mediator or geriatric consultant to weigh in and keep the conversation peaceful.
There are many options available for seniors in need of assistance. Sometimes, the assistance of a family or friend caregiver is enough. Other times this is not practical, particularly if family members live too far away or are already over committed. Other single-service care options can help to supplement or address a specific need, such as a meal delivery service or an adult daycare. If more comprehensive care is needed, there are assisted living facilities and nursing homes—or, if your loved one wishes to stay at home, you will want to consider an in-home care service such as Right at Home.
“Ultimately, no single isolated sign necessarily means your loved one is in trouble. After spending time with your loved one, take a gut check. Sometimes you can feel a change in a person even if you can’t articulate it. Trust yourself. And in the meantime, enjoy your time together and celebrate,” Acevedo said.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 200 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK and Brazil. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/about-us or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/blog. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, visit www.caringnews.com
About Right at Home of Patchogue
The Patchogue office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home Inc. serving all of Suffolk County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Patchogue email: rightathome@USA.com, phone: 631 207 2626.
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First, make sure that your loved one is continuing to look after his personal appearance and hygiene as well as he used to. Warning signs could include wearing the same clothes over and over or neglecting to brush his teeth. If he is taking medications, watch to make sure he remembers when to take them, and that he knows what each is for. If he is not eating properly, he may be losing weight.
If visiting with your loved one at his home, you should also look for signs of neglect in the house. If the home looks that it is not getting its usual care, it could be that regular, simple maintenance chores such as dusting are not being performed. Keep an eye out for piles of unpaid—or even unopened—bills. Avoiding tasks such as this could be a sign that once manageable tasks have become overwhelming for your loved one. Keep a lookout for burned pots and pans, as well as food that is past its expiration date or molding.
Additional signs of a problem may be that your loved one is not taking proper care of a pet, is avoiding steps or having difficulty with them or has limited his contact with the outside world. If you see these signs in your loved one, it is time to speak up. You may not want to breach the subject during the holidays, but don’t wait too long.
“Planning for a loved one’s future needs as they age can be difficult and emotional for everyone involved. But it’s an important conversation to have to ensure those you care about get the help and care they need in the way they want it. The earlier you start the conversation, the easier transitions will be when they’re needed,” Acevedo said.
Prepare what you want to say to your loved one beforehand, and focus on “I” statements that express your concern to help him maintain the life he desires as he ages. Bring other family members into the discussion during the early stages so everyone is on the same page. This can spare you and your loved ones much discord later. If you expect it to be a difficult conversation, some experts recommend introducing the topic briefly and then agreeing on a later time to discuss in more detail after everyone has had time to reflect. Another option to consider is bringing in a mediator or geriatric consultant to weigh in and keep the conversation peaceful.
There are many options available for seniors in need of assistance. Sometimes, the assistance of a family or friend caregiver is enough. Other times this is not practical, particularly if family members live too far away or are already over committed. Other single-service care options can help to supplement or address a specific need, such as a meal delivery service or an adult daycare. If more comprehensive care is needed, there are assisted living facilities and nursing homes—or, if your loved one wishes to stay at home, you will want to consider an in-home care service such as Right at Home.
“Ultimately, no single isolated sign necessarily means your loved one is in trouble. After spending time with your loved one, take a gut check. Sometimes you can feel a change in a person even if you can’t articulate it. Trust yourself. And in the meantime, enjoy your time together and celebrate,” Acevedo said.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 200 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK and Brazil. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/about-us or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/blog. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, visit www.caringnews.com
About Right at Home of Patchogue
The Patchogue office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home Inc. serving all of Suffolk County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Patchogue email: rightathome@USA.com, phone: 631 207 2626.
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Contact
Right at Home - In Home care & Assistance
Maria Pirera
631-207-2626
http://www.sclongisland.rightathome.net
Maria Pirera
631-207-2626
http://www.sclongisland.rightathome.net
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