Assessing your elderly family member’s needs is difficult, especially if you don’t live near her. When you visit with her, there are some issues you should pay particular attention to. These categories can help you to narrow down potential problem areas that you can start to address sooner rather than later.
Emotional Concerns
Emotional issues might not be as easy to spot as you think. But if your senior seems sad or seems as if she’s irritable, that can be a sign that more is going on. Depression is a very real problem for aging adults and your elderly family member might be facing some emotional difficulties related to aging.
Physical Concerns
Does your senior seem as if she’s in pain? Her movements might be slower or she might seem to pull in or protect some parts of her body. These are signs that she might have some physical concerns that need a little more attention. It might be worth trying to get her to see her doctor, too.
Memory Issues
If your elderly family member seems to be confused or has trouble recalling information that has never been an issue before, that could be important. Pay particular attention to whether your elderly family member is giving you the same information over and over again the same way. This can be a sign that her memory isn’t working the same as it used to work.
Socialization
Socialization is a hugely important part of your elderly family member’s life. If she’s not getting out as much as she used to, she may not be spending time with other people. It’s difficult sometimes for older people to make new connections, especially if friends have passed away or moved over time.
Overall Safety
The biggest concern of all is your elderly family member’s overall safety. If you see anything that makes you concerned, it’s important that you at least bring the issue up with your aging family member. She may not want to talk about what’s happening, but at least you’re opening the conversational door. You might want to consider whether modifications to her home could make her safer in her home.
If you’re still not sure what your elderly family member needs the most, try sitting down and talking with her. She may not know specifically where she needs help, either, but it’s a start. Consider working with home care providers. They do have experience helping aging adults and their family members determine where their energies are best spent to ensure that seniors are safe and in good hands.
For more information about hiring Senior Care in Pacific Beach, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
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