Courtesy of Juniper Glen Memory Care Assisted Living
NewsUSA – For adult children with aging parents, spending time together around the holidays can highlight changes in lifestyle or behavior indicating that a loved one requires assistance. For those who provide senior care, the weeks immediately following the holidays are the busiest, as families seek care for aging loved ones. In fact, there is typically a 41 percent rise in service inquiries from December to January.
Families who have recently spent time with aging loved ones should consider these factors when deciding whether it is time to seek additional help.
- Mood. Was a loved one acting different around the holidays? Was he or she less talkative or more emotional?
- Physical appearance. Did mom or dad lose a significant amount of weight since your last visit? Are they keeping up with personal hygiene?
- Social life and routine. Did an aging relative show a lack of interest in making plans and getting out and about?
- Household. During your visit, was their home clean and orderly? Have they fallen behind on paying bills, refilling medications, or housework?
- Food choices. Did your loved ones have nutritious food at home, or was the refrigerator empty because they can’t make it to the grocery store?
For support and resources regarding local senior care assistance, visit Erie County’s Department of Senior Services at https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices. For many older adults, help with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders can allow them to stay safe and healthy at home. The website also includes information on Medicare certified nursing homes and more.
