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Ten Risk Factors
Our hair turns white (or falls out). We need glasses. We don't move
as quickly as we once did. Others comment that the on the TV is too
loud.
We expect to change as we age, even if we don't welcome all of
those changes. We see age-related changes in ourselves and in our
parents and other relatives. Sometimes the difference is dramatic,
such as after a major illness or stroke. Sometimes it just appears
to be dramatic, like when we visit our distant relatives on the
holidays and are surprised at how different they look.
For most people, skills and capacities diminish gradually, and
most people will need a little help every once in awhile as they
get older.
The challenge is to know which of the changes are part of the
normal patterns of aging and which are indicators that something is
wrong and that some intervention is needed because your parent
cannot manage on his or her own without some regular assistance.
Here are some signs to look for:
- DETERIORATING HYGIENE OR APPEARANCE. Occasional uncombed hair
or going to the grocery store without make-up isn't something to
worry about. A persistent pattern of neglected teeth, dirty
clothing, not bathing - these are some of the signals that your
relative may need some help.
- ERRATIC OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR CHANGES. If your loved one
starts acting differently, or inappropriately, you may need to take
action, especially if that behavior lasts more than a few
weeks.
- CONFUSION OR DISORIENTATION. This may take the form of garbled
answers to questions or an inability to concentrate or not
understanding a normal conversation. It may also take the form of
memory loss. Some memory loss is normal - all of us forget where we
put our car keys, for example. That kind of occasional lapse isn't
cause for concern, and forgetfulness tends to increase with age. On
the other hand, forgetting what a car key is for, or failure to
remember significant people or getting lost in familiar
surroundings may be early signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Because of our fear of Alzheimer's disease, we tend to notice the
memory lapses of older people, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions
without a medical diagnosis.
- EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS, DEPRESSION OR STRESS. Stress, sadness and
grief are often a part of seniors' lives, just as they are a part
of the lives of younger people. They become a cause of concern if
they linger and persist for more than several weeks.
- SIGNS OF INSUFFICIENT NUTRITION, DEHYDRATION, WEIGHT LOSS. If
your relative is not getting enough to eat or drink, their health
is in jeopardy and it may be a sign of depression, or that they are
no longer able to prepare meals for themselves. The obvious sign is
if your loved one is losing weight. Check the refrigerator and
pantry to see that they're eating regularly.
- INABILITY TO MANAGE MONEY. If you notice that the bills are
stacking up, or that the bank account is being depleted when there
should be enough money, it's time to step in and help your parent
manage the finances.
- FRIENDS OR NEIGHBORS EXPRESS CONCERN. Your relative's friends
may be the first to notice when something's wrong. They may be
hesitant to let you know because they don't want to appear
meddlesome, they don't want to "go around" your relative, or, most
often, because they simply don't know who or where to call. It's a
good idea to give them your phone number and ask that they call you
if they ever have concerns.
- INABILITY TO MANAGE MEDICATIONS. It seems like the number of
little plastic bottles of pills in the medicine cabinet increases
with every year that we age. By the time they're in their seventies
or eighties, people may be taking a full handful of pills, three or
more times a day. It can be difficult to remember which pills to
take when. If they cannot remember if they took their medication,
or how much they took, you can set up a schedule or monitoring
system to help ensure that the right pills are taken at the right
time.
- UNCLEAN OR UNSAFE LIVING ENVIRONMENT. At some point, the normal
maintenance of the house may just become more than an older person
can handle. The lawn never gets mowed and paint is peeling. These
are indications that some housekeeping services are needed. Other
signs may indicate that physical or mental impairments have
deteriorated such that your relative simply cannot continue to live
independently without assistance. If they leave the stove burners
on or cannot safely make it from one room to another, or
consistently leave dirty dishes piled in the sink, it's time to get
some help.
- FALLING, LACK OF MOBILITY, WANDERING OR SIGNIFICANT VISION OR
HEARING DIFFICULTIES. Because bones fracture easier and heal more
slowly with age, falling is always dangerous for older. Likewise,
if your relative can no longer physically get around the house, or
becomes reclusive or isolated, or if they cannot see well or cannot
hear the doorbell or telephone, it's a potentially dangerous
situation and it's necessary that you step in.
What do you do if you believe that something's wrong? Try to
verify your impressions with others. Certainly talk to your parents
about your concerns. They may be quite aware of their own
limitations, but aren't mentioning it because they don't want to
upset you. Talk to your siblings and see if they share your
concerns. Get a medical evaluation and a geriatric assessment. The
problem may be temporary or treatable. If you ultimately conclude
that your parents do indeed need assistance with daily living,
there are many options available to you, and very often you can
arrange for assistance in the home rather than having to move your
relatives to a nursing home or other care facility.
The counselors at Seniors! Inc. are always available to help.
They can conduct an independent evaluation, discuss options with
you, arrange for care if that's necessary, and give you support and
peace of mind. They are compassionate and affordable.
For new inquiries about our affordable in-home services, please
contact us:
If you currently receive our in-home services, please contact
us:
For new inquiries and current clients outside the Denver
area, please call:
- Pueblo/Cañon City 719-553-0478
- Trinidad & Southern/Central Colorado
719-846-4414