Elder Advantage

Baby boomers visiting aging parents during the holidays may be in for a
shocking surprise. The pristine house and yard of the past now look
shabby and neglected.  Dirty dishes fill the sink and the kitchen table is
covered in crumbs. Unopened bills are stacked haphazardly all over the
countertops. Mom seems unfocused and Dad is having trouble getting
around.  It’s clear that help is needed but what should family members do?

Nicole L. Hawkins, Certified Senior Advisor and Medicaid advocate
encourages clients to take advantage of the time when everyone is gathered
together to initiate a conversation with parents and family members about
“what if” scenarios and health and financial concerns.

Eldercare Link, one of the nation’s leading free eldercare referral services
agrees.  CEO Robert Brooks says that historically, the week after
Thanksgiving generates more requests from anxious family members than
any other week of the year.

The holidays are a good time  for family members to be alert for signs that
elderly relatives may need help - physical, mental or financial.  The most
important thing is to look for signs of change in mood, health and living
conditions.  Checking in with people who visit the relative frequently can
indicate whether there have been recent changes.  


Some signs to look for include:

-Personal hygiene problems
-Home in disarray or needing to be cleaned
-Weight loss or weight gain - check for spoiled food or insufficient food at
home
-Failure to manage medications or medical appointments
-Increased difficulty with mobility (such as climbing stairs or using a
bathtub)
-Changes in judgment, mood or overall behavior
-Increased forgetfulness-check for unopened mail or unread newspapers
-Missed bill payments or other financial difficulties
-Unusual or extravagant purchases that are out of character
-Decreased social activities or failing to maintain friendships

Experts warn that it isn’t necessary to panic if you recognize a few
changes. Some are simply part of the aging process. Slowing down
does not automatically mean that your parents are ready move to an
assisted living facility or in with you.

This is a good time to talk about concerns and ask parents what kind of
help they would like. Start researching the options. Here at Elder
Advantage can provide expert advice about a range of senior services
ranging from home health aides, visiting nurses, Meals on Wheels and
Adult Day Care to financial planning and legal issues.
Elder Advantage

Strategic Planning for the Senior Generation
. . . Because Wise Decisions Last a Lifetime
Aging Parents' Issues
Surface During the Holidays
Elder Advantage
Owensboro, KY

Toll-Free: 1-866-896-3466
Fax: (270) 684-6746
info@elderadvantage.org