Gathering together with family members during the holidays is a great time to catch up with loved ones that you don’t get to see often, but it is also a good time to take stock of how your senior family members and friends are doing. Aunt Ann’s Home Care has found that this time of year is often when families discover that seniors require extra help at home. When the holidays bring you together this year, be on the lookout for the following warning signs that help at home is needed.
Unexplained weight loss:
Does your senior loved one seem noticeably thinner? For the elderly, losing weight without trying may be a sign that something is wrong. He or she may be having trouble preparing meals or there may be another health issue that is more serious, like malnutrition, dementia, depression, or cancer. When alone, check the fridge and cupboards. Are they stocked with things that could easily provide a healthy meal?
Unkempt appearance:
Has the senior’s general appearance changed in unexpected ways? Failure to keep up with daily grooming routines can indicate health problems such as dementia, depression, physical impairments or vision problems.
Home in disarray:
Is the senior’s home generally well cared for? Any big changes in the way things are done around the house could provide clues to health. For example, scorched pots could mean forgetting about food cooking on the stove. Neglected housework could be a sign of depression, dementia, or other problems.
Also watch out for changes in mobility, increased confusion, and trouble managing medications. These could all be signs that extra care is needed at home. If you have noticed any of these warning signs in a senior family member or friend, contact Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000 for more information on how in-home care services can help.
