As the world opens up more and we are able to visit with our families, it’s important to check in on our loved ones’ physical and mental well-being. Here are some things to look out for when visiting parents:
Checking the state of the house
Use your five senses as a checklist for examining the state of a loved one’s home. Are there any usual smells or odors in the house, perhaps from rotting food or if they have pets, are they not cleaning up after them? When you look around, do you notice laundry piling up or dirty dishes overrunning the sink? These are all ways you can begin to determine if there has been a change in behavior.
Personal hygiene
How does your loved one look? Have they bathed, are their clothes clean, do they seem to be taking care of themselves? Oftentimes, aging adults have a fear of falling in the shower, so in that case, you can look into getting a shower chair or having someone come to the house to assist with bathing.
Mobility
While it may not look like much at first, decreased mobility can have serious consequences, such as trips and falls. See if your loved one has trouble getting up from or sitting down in chairs, or if their balance seems off. If that is the case, you can start to take the next steps of how to create a safe environment in the house, in case of a fall, and develop a plan to get them help.
Socialization
Human contact and engagement are so important throughout our lives and especially as we get older. If you are concerned your loved one may be feeling isolated, you can start to look for senior centers nearby that offer programming, trips, even meals where they can sit around others. Seniors can also connect with local charities, churches, or synagogues and participate in volunteer programs.
Driving
For the majority of our lives, driving is a form of independence that is very important to us. However at a certain point, driving may not be the best idea for older loved ones. Look at the car itself and see if there are scratches or little dents that may indicate they are having some trouble driving.
If you find your loved one is struggling to live independently, it may be time to consider assisted living. McPeak’s has strived to preserve the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of the elderly and infirm by providing them with modern comfort, warmth of family, and company of good friends. We are ready to help you make the most of each and every day.
