Happy President’s Day!
We have now enjoyed Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. Typically, we are looking forward to the warmth of Spring and a break that goes along with it.
It might also be a good time to check in with your mother or father to make sure they are doing okay.
Doing so should be a positive experience. In 2014, you have a number of options not available earlier to make sure your loved one is taken care of and safe, even without you having to be there 24 hours a day or placing them into an assisted living home in Idaho Falls.
When visiting with Mom and Dad, here are some simple ABC’s to consider their situation.
A is for Aroma
Is there an unpleasant smell that seems to be new? It might be that they have lost a little of their sense of smell and may have something that needs to be thrown away. Or it could be something else. It could be that they do not have the energy, memory, or ability to either clean the house or to get cleaned up every day – or every few days.
Did your Mom or Dad insist on cleanliness growing up? That desire to have a clean house or to be clean and beautiful does not go away as they age. But their ability to or memory to may.
Bad question to ask: What is that smell? May embarrass your loved one.
Good question to ask: Mom, can I help you clean up? This will allow you to assess the situation and find out what the odor is.
B is for Bedtime Clothes
Is your Mom and Dad in their evening attire throughout the day? This may be a sign of depression or loneliness. According to a study released this year, loneliness is more deadly to seniors than obesity is. Or it may be a sign that they do not have the energy to get changed.
Either way, a change needs to be made – and not just a change of clothes.
Bad question to ask: Why are you still in your pajamas? Your loved one may get defensive.
Good question to ask: I love your pajamas! What is your secret to finding such good sleeping attire? This will open up your loved one and will open a conversation about buying clothes with large necks and other clothes that are easy to get in and out of, but still make them feel stylish and beautiful.
C is for Catching Up With Life
This one will require more conversation. Are they calling you by name? Do they remember what happened five minutes ago? Are they slurring their speech? Are they keeping up with the things they used to love, be that news or grandchildren or religious activities.
Short term memory loss, slurred speech, disengagement with life are all things that should raise red flags and it is time to seek professional help.
D is for Dining
Bonus one. Be sure to ask your loved one about what they ate for breakfast. If they cannot remember, that is a sure sign that there is a problem. This is also true is their clothes seem to start sagging. A loss of weight may mean that they are forgetting to eat, which will lead to other more serious problems.
If your conversation with your mom or dad shows signs of concern, be sure to make two more phone calls. The first to your parent’s physician. The second to 1 Assist Care of the Valley to discuss how we can help your loved one enjoy life at home while you know that they are safe and taken care of as you are able to deal with the other demands of life.
See any of these? Call us today for a free home visit from our team. You can call us at 557-4215 or fill out the contact form below and we will reach out to you.
