Early Warning Signs that Mom or Dad May Need Help
‘Tis The Season To Be Worried
Holiday visits can reveal early warning signs that Mom or Dad may need help
Tucson, AZ – (December 18, 2009) While December can be a time of family joy, it can also be a season of concern. As the one time a year that many travel to be with their parents or grandparents, holiday reunions can bring to light previously-unknown physical or mental problems of aging relatives. It’s important to distinguish traits of getting older from signs pointing to something more serious. How can someone know if Mom or Dad needs help?
According to research from the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 87.7 million people will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. When they arrive, what should people consider cause for concern? Here are five warning signs – physical and emotional – from the Tucson-based National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers:
- House – Does it look maintained, or is it in disrepair? Is dust accumulating where (at one time) she was a great housekeeper? Is trash accumulating?
- Refrigerator/Eating Habits – Does it contain adequate food? Is there any spoiled food present? Have his eating habits changed? Has she lost weight? Has she missed meals or have a lack of appetite?
- Interaction/Behavior – Does she constantly repeat questions? Can he carry on an extended conversation? Does he refuse any suggestion or does he just agree with everything said?
- Forgetfulness – Are there stacks of unopened mail or newspapers, unpaid bills, unfilled prescriptions or missed appointment slips?
- Personal hygiene – Is he shaving? Does she shower less frequently, wear dirty clothes, or have neglected teeth? Are there any injuries that you can see?
There are other warning signs that aging loved ones may need help. For the full list, click here.