Family Caregiving

The holidays are a time to get together as family and friends.  A lot of adult children may not live near their aging parents or have not seen them for several months, so the holidays are a time when families do get together but it may also be a time of discovery...that mom or dad needs assistance in their daily life.  If you are visiting or spending time with your aging parents, keep your eyes open to the indicators that they may need some assistance with staying independent.

Here are some things to be aware of when visiting your aging parents:

1.  Mail and bills are piling up or mom/dad is having a hard time with money management and bill paying, when this has not been a problem in the past.
2.  Minimal groceries in the refrigerator and cabinets, or food is left in the microwave or rotting in the refrigerator.
3.  Mom/dad is wearing the same clothes over and over, clothes are soiled or not getting properly cleaned.
4.  Grooming habits have declined, not bathing/showering, hair and/or facial hair is unkept, teeth/dentures not being properly cleaned.
5.  Prescriptions are not being filled - look for empty bottles around the house or for medications that have expired.  Are medications being taken properly?  Have mom/dad show you the medication management system in use.  Where do they store their medications?  Do they use a pillbox?  Who fills the pillbox?  Is it filled correctly?
6.  Are they keeping up with preventative practices (e.g. attending routine health exams, receiving routine/recommended vaccinations)?
7.  Difficulty walking or getting around the house, gait disturbance/difficulty with balance, trouble getting up from a chair, difficulty with stairs.
8.  Forgetfulness or confusion regarding recent conversations, familiar faces, simple tasks or daily activities.
9.  Check the house for hazards (e.g. rugs that can easily be tripped on, inability to take care of the lawn or shovel snow/ice off walkways).  Install grab bars in the bathroom if needed, and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors.
10.  Be alert for scammers.  Scammers often prey on vulnerable older adults.  Are people calling or coming over to mom/dad's and you do not know who they are?  Are they giving money or writing checks to people or organizations that you do not know?

If you discover that your aging parent or loved one is in need of additional service, contact your local Area Agency on Aging for resources or a professional geriatric care manager for assistance.

Happy Holidays!