According to a systematic review of literature on long-distance caregiving published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, between five and seven million Americans provide physical, emotional, social, and financial assistance to aging loved ones from a distance. This means that a significant number of families rely on regular telephone conversations to gauge an aging loved one’s well-being.
Unfortunately, age-related decline can happen quickly, and often seniors are determined to conceal or downplay any new or worsening functional decline. For many families, holiday visits are the only opportunity they get all year to see aging loved ones in person. This is an ideal time to evaluate your aging loved one’s needs. It can be easy for family members to miss signs of health decline. While visiting, take some time to observe their behaviors and their home environment. Here are some signs to look out for that can help you decide if it is time to consider some type of home care services.
1. Poor hygiene or lack of normal daily care
Look for unusual body odor, unkempt appearance, soiled underwear.
2. Inability to manage daily tasks and financial needs
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Seniors may experience challenges shopping for and preparing meals.
4. Changes in Balance and Mobility
If your loved one is unsteady on their feet, or has difficulty going up stairs, they may be at risk for falls. If you find bruises, or cuts, they could be falling without telling you, or remembering.
5. Changes in the Home Environment
Clues include discovering excess clutter, stacks of unopened mail, scorched cookware, an overflowing hamper with dirty laundry, expired prescription medications or missed pill doses.
If you notice any of these signs, have the initial conversation with your loved one about their present circumstances and your concerns. Collect any necessary information while you are in town to avoid added frustration and confusion in the event of a crisis down the road. Begin compiling a to-do list to be implemented over a period of future visits. A financial list should contain information pertaining to all a loved one’s property, debts, income, expenses, bank accounts and credit cards should you need to assume control of their finances over the short or long term.