You live on the other side of the country. The one time a year that you actually see your mom in person is during the holidays. It’s your chance to see how well she’s doing on her own. What should you be paying attention to during your yearly visit?
Does She Seem Healthy?
Is your mom healthy? Does she seem to be eating the right foods, getting outside for exercise each day, and moving around without problems? Check her skin to make sure her color isn’t pale, ashy, or jaundiced – all signs of potential health issues.
Even if she seems healthy, you should find out if she’s been to her doctor in the past year. Your mom needs to go for a yearly check-up. If she hasn’t, ask why? Often the cost of medical care will keep older adults from wanting to go if it’s not absolutely necessary. Go over her insurance with her to determine coverage.
If She Has Prescription Medications, Does She Take Them Correctly?
Has your mom’s doctor prescribed medications? If so, does she take them correctly? If she forgets a dose, watch to see if she follows directions on what to do if you miss a dose or if she takes extra to make up. That can be dangerous.
If she can’t remember if she took her pills that morning, does she automatically take them again? That could lead to an overdose. It’s important for her to start finding ways to better manage her medications.
Another thing to look at is how well she does at tracking when refills are needed. Is she set up with automatic refills or does she call to order them? Does she often wait until it’s too late?
Is Her Home Cluttered and Excessively Messy?
How clean is your mom’s home? Is it cluttered? If there is a lot of clutter, check for some of the problems clutter causes like rodent and insect infestations.
Does your mom complete normal daily and weekly cleaning routines? Is she wiping down counters and the stove each day? Does she do dishes or let them stack up? Is laundry completed each week?
How Are Her Grooming and Hygiene Habits?
If your mom isn’t showering enough, you’ll smell her body odor. Find out why. She may be nervous getting in and out of the shower due to a fall. If that’s the case, see if grab bars would give her the confidence she needs. If not, would she feel safer having someone in the home to help her in and out of the tub?
See if her toenails and fingernails are trimmed. Is her skin dry, cracked, and flaking? Does she brush and floss her teeth as often as her dentist recommends? Does she see her dentist? If she’s having issues, it’s time to address the value of companion care at home.
Is She Showing Signs of Forgetfulness?
Finally, is your mom getting forgetful? Some forgetfulness is normal. She forgot where she put her glasses down, but she’s able to retrace her steps. That’s okay. But, she tells you something important to her, and five minutes later tells you the same thing. When that keeps happening, it can be a warning sign.
As you realize your mom’s having a harder time with her usual activities, it’s time to address the need for companion care at home. Keep a list of the things she’s able to do independently and where you’ve noticed she struggles. You’ll use this list to arrange the best companion care at home schedule.
Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-caregiving-older-adults
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/10-survival-strategies-distance-caregivers
If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Cherry Hills, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
