How Do I Decide

When we live at a distance, we have to rely on closer family members, friends and neighbors to be aware of how our parents are doing. Suddenly we can be faced with the realization that loved ones are not getting along as well as in the past. All of a sudden some of the subtle changes that we had been aware of cause us to raise the question, "Is Mom or Dad safe to live at home?" "Are they still able to live independently?" "What can I do to help them manage at home?" We may be aware that loved ones are having problems with health, frailty, or mood.

We can watch for several things that will alert us to a change in functioning. Be aware of:

1. Mail and bills are piling up.
2. The house is cluttered or unkempt.
3. Food in the refrigerator is uneaten or spoiled; food is left out on counters to spoil. You may notice a loss of weight.
4. There are signs that the stove has been left on; there may be burned patches on counters or pans that have been scorched.
5. Clothing is not clean or changed regularly. There may be a change in the way clothing is worn such as choosing inappropriate outfits or not dressing for the weather.
6. The person is not attending to their personal hygiene.
7. There are missed physician appointments and in general confusion about the time and date.
8. A parent calls at odd hours or several times a day and asks for help or seems upset, confused or agitated.
9. Medications are being mixed up, or they are not being taken as prescribed.
10. There is a loss of interest in activities or social involvement.
11. There have been a number of falls.
12. There is a problem with balance and walking. They rely on items of furniture or walls to support them as they move around the house.
13. There have been automobile accidents or reports by neighbors of unsafe driving.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Cynthia Ward, M.Ed, CCM, CDMS, CRC is a Certified Case Manager and a Professional member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. She is the founder of Chrysalis Case Management, a private case management company. Chrysalis provides care management services to help elders, their families and caregivers plan for aging and long term care. Chrysalis Case Management PO Box 305 Weare, NH 02381 603-529-7173 www.chrysaliscm.com

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