Q – My parents are getting on in age, and in their 80’s, I’m beginning to worry if they truly are safe and healthy living independently in their homes and meeting their own crucial needs. I’ll be visiting with them in their home over the upcoming holidays – what should I look for to determine whether or not they’re okay living like they are without anyone to help them?

A – Holidays are the best time to evaluate the needs of seniors who live independently at home; look in the following areas, and decide if you think they could use help from a caregiver:

1. Check the refrigerator – spoiled foods or lack of nutritious food options may indicate that your senior has not been eating properly due to a health issue, difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing meals

2. Look in high places – if your senior has always been neat and tidy, dust or dirt in higher places may indicate changes in their mobility

3. Look at their mail – bills piling up around the home, or bills that aren’t being picked up from the mail box could either mean that they aren’t managing to stay on top of their financial responsibilities due to a condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia, or it could be related to their finances

4. Check their medications – look in the medicine cabinet and compare dates and dosages to the number of prescription pills in the bottles

5. Take a look at your loved one – their appearance can give away a lot. Do they appear to be well-groomed, dressed and bathed?

6. Talk to friends and neighbors – those that see your senior on a regular basis might be able to give you some insight; ask close friends and neighbors casually when you see them over the holidays

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.