‘Tis the season for reconnecting with loved ones. It’s also a great time to informally assess your loved one’s well-being. If you’re spending time this holiday season with an older loved one you don’t often see, take this opportunity to make sure they are thriving. Take note of signs that may indicate they need some extra help at home. Dr. Macie explains four important things to look for.
Watch the video:
Video Transcription
Hi, I’m Dr. Macie. Smith. There are certain times of year–including the holidays–where we tend to spend more time with our older adult loved ones. These are great times to do an informal assessment of your loved ones to see if they’re experiencing any physical or cognitive declines.
I want to offer some suggestions on how to see how they’re doing in a non-threatening manner. Gently inquire or pay attention to these areas:
First, activities of daily living, what we call ADLs:
Are they staying on top of their hygiene–shaving, bathing, haircuts, clothing, etc.? How does their home look? Is it tidy? Are there any changes? Are medications expired? Is there expired food in the refrigerator or in the pantry?
Now memory:
Inquire about current events that they should know, such as who’s the president of the United States. Are they giving short answers and not elaborating?
Ask what they did earlier in the day or week to see if they experience difficulty putting together thoughts.
You might also notice that they get upset at reasonable requests. This might be out of frustration that they can’t remember.
Next mobility:
You want to take note of any physical decline or difficulty walking. How well do they move around the house? Do they need furniture to sturdy themselves? Do they have any bruises? If so that could indicate falls. Try going on walks to see how they move.
Driving is another one to look out for. Look for dings or scratches on their cars that could indicate difficulty driving.
The fourth is isolation:
Isolation can cause depression and a rapid decline in memory and cognition. Ask who they’re keeping in touch with and friends they’ve seen recently.
If you notice anything wrong talk with other family members and friends to share your observations and see if they’ve noticed the same things. You can then discuss potential next steps.
Once you have an idea of ways to provide support–even if it’s professional caregiving assistance–be sure to include your loved ones in decision making.
We’ve got so much more in our What to Expect as our Loved Ones Age series and our Family Caregiver Ultimate Guide at synergyhomecare.com. See you next time.
