Dad falls and breaks an arm. Grandma has a stroke. Aunt Mildred passes away, leaving Uncle Fred scratching his head about how to handle domestic chores. In many cases like these, early intervention may have helped lessen or in some cases, prevented them from happening.
Indications that there may be trouble brewing go undetected in many cases simply because many don't realize the warnings that may a telling sign of serious problems. For example, sensory losses can sometimes be easily detected. Smelly or stained clothing can be a warning sign for a number of potential issues such as an issue with vision or smell. It could also be a sign for depression, or any number of other possibilities.
Another warning sign is weight loss. Sure, it's normal for elderly folks to lose weight, but it could very well be a tip off for other issues such as poorly fitting dentures, or tooth pain, being unable to get out to the store and shop for groceries, an inability to prepare meals, medication side effects, or even emotional distress.
While there seems like that there are many things these warning signs "could be", it's important to investigate further when you see signs like these. It could help eliminate bigger issues down the road.
If you notice sudden weight loss or gains, sudden changes in personality, behavior or appetite, you should notify your elder's doctor. These things are not part of the normal aging process.
In the case of a parent, you or your family members know them better than anyone else. If you sense something just isn't right, it's a good bet that somethings wrong. The problem is that noticing problems can be tough because most issues come on gradually. Most seniors - heck most people in general - don't want to ask for help due to pride, shame or even cultural traditions. In the case of seniors, it goes further - they may be afraid if they bring issues to your attention you may send them away to a nursing home. While those fears may seem foolish to you, they can be perceived as very real to your elder.
While most have nothing but the best of intentions, seeing the issues that have grown over time is compounded if you are one that is lucky enough to see your parents or loved elder on a regular basis. Many changes are usually passed off as an issue related to "old age". For example, confusion is something that is almost always passed off as someone simply getting older. But confusion is not part of the normal aging process. I can be a sign of a disease or other treatable condition. But when an issue as seemingly as minor as this is not attended to, things can deteriorate quickly.
So, how do you avoid falling into a situation where you don't recognize the warning signs because you are simply too close to your elder? Well, start by making some general observations around the house and by asking questions.
Start by making a list of things that can be improved upon by your intervening. Things like removing area rugs, installing a chair lift on stairs, installing a ramp into the house, installing railings in key locations, or installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Next, make a list of things were you feel ongoing help is required. Helping with laundry, shopping or simply making sure meds are being taken would all be examples.
After you do this, you'll want to put a plan together in order to complete the tasks you identified. Don't be afraid to enlist help - family members, friends and neighbors are a good place to start. You may also want to include professional caregivers, or agencies. Be sure that you include your elder in the decision making process. Leaving them out of the mix will likely generate ill will between you and your loved one. Understand that there will likely be some resistance. When you encounter this, simply try to highlight the positives of your plan. While it may take more than one discussion, your elder will likely come around to your way of thinking as long as you treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Hal has been writing articles online since 2005. Not only does he specialize in elder care issues, he also maintains a number of informative web sites as well. You can check out his latest website on sewingmachineforsale.org Sewing Machine For Sale featuring the sewingmachineforsale.org/Quilting-Sewing-Machine.html Quilting Sewing Machine.
No comments:
Post a Comment