By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
A Real Gift
Dan and Michelle, like many of us, have been busy this holiday season. Work, two teenagers, shopping, figuring out how to visit both their parents… and the list goes on.
Michelle and her daughter went to her mom’s for their traditional cookie bake and noticed some small changes in her mom. Her mom’s famous cookie recipe did not quite taste the same and her mom was quiet, not as talkative as usual. Michelle has started to wonder if something is wrong or changing with her mom.
This holiday season, as we spend time with our family and friends, it may be the perfect opportunity to observe changes in your aging loved one. Changes may vary widely–from outwardly visible to subtle shifts in habits. There are four main areas to observe and monitor if you are starting to be concerned about an aging loved one. Here are a few things to consider in each of the four areas:
PERSONAL HYGIENE
- Do you notice changes in the way your loved ones present themselves? Does your loved one seem more unkempt, not dressing during the day like they used to, not showering, wearing the same clothes for extended periods of time or even wearing dirty clothes when they do get dressed?
- Do they have bruises that may indicate they’ve taken falls?
MOOD OR BEHAVIOR
- Has mom or dad stopped socializing and/or given up hobbies they once enjoyed?
- Do they have any new friends or organizations who they have a lot of contact with? Is anyone or any organization asking for repeated or large donations or loans?
- Are you noticing increased confusion? Do you notice your aging loved one repeating themselves more than they used to?
- Are they showing increased irritability or apathy? Does he or she seem more withdrawn or sad?
FOOD
- Check the refrigerator and pantry. Is there enough food, changes in food supply, expired or spoiled food items. Are they eating more sweets, less nutritional meals. Have they changed their eating routine/pattern?
- Do you notice they’ve lost weight, or suspect your loved one is skipping or forgetting meals?
ENVIRONMENT
- Do you notice changes in how your loved ones keep their home? Are there piles of trash that haven’t been tossed out? Stockpiling items they do not use, burned out light bulbs? Stacks of mail, unopened or unpaid bills.
- Any decline in cleanliness, especially in the kitchen and bathroom? Are items being stored in unusual or hazardous places?
- Does their car have scratches or other damage?
These are just a few things to consider as a starting point as you observe and monitor your loved one. Examining these four areas may help you determine if there are changes in your aging loved one. This information may help facilitate conversations with your loved one and/or you will have specific, detailed information about the changes to share with their medical provider. Monitoring these areas will also help determine if your loved one needs assistance.
The gift is noticing the changes and the opportunity to begin conversations with your aging parents about the future. The earlier you can talk about challenges and changes the more likely you will be able make some plans, gather information and get support. The gift is you can help your loved one as they navigate this stage of their lives. Observe, listen and spend time together!
Original Article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/changes-this-season-brings/