It has been quite some time since you’ve had the opportunity for a good, long visit with Mom. Now that the holidays are here, you will have some uninterrupted time to catch up. Of course you’ll want to fully enjoy this time with each other, but it’s also a great time to assess how she is really doing and if you’re picking up on any changes in her health that perhaps have gone undiscovered through phone conversations and FaceTime.
To help you determine areas of possible concern to evaluate, we have provided the following list of questions for older adults. You may wish to ask some of these questions to the senior outright, while others may be answered by observing the home environment and the person himself.
Mental/Physical Health
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- Does he seem short of breath?
- Does he seem happy and content?
- Is he spending time with friends?
- Is he actively engaged in enjoyable activities?
- Is he having trouble falling or staying asleep?
- Does the senior seem to be moving more slowly and cautiously?
- Do you notice any bruises or other injuries that could indicate a fall?
- Is he stumbling or holding onto furniture or the wall to get around?
- Is he eating more or less than usual?
- Has he gained or lost weight?
Cognitive Functioning
- Is he repeating questions or statements in conversations?
- Does the senior seem more forgetful or confused than usual?
- Is he struggling to remember the names of familiar people or objects?
- Are there pieces of mail or bills that have not been opened?
- Are you noticing any unusual behaviors?
- Is he misplacing items, only to find them in unexpected places, such as the car keys in the refrigerator?
Elder/Financial Abuse
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- Are there any changes in his banking activity?
- Does the senior seem more timid or anxious than usual?
- Has he cosigned for a loan for anyone?
- Is he communicating with strangers online?
- Has he provided anyone with personal information over the phone or internet?
- Does he suddenly have a new “friendship” with someone whose motives may be questionable?
Home Maintenance
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- Is the yard maintained?
- Is there clutter in the home that could pose a fall risk?
- Is the laundry clean and put away?
- Is the home cleaned to the senior’s typical standards?
- Are there any hazards you’re noticing, such as scorch marks on pans or the countertop that could indicate inattention to cooking?
- Are the bed linens being changed regularly?
If you have any concerns about a senior’s safety or well-being, no matter how small, home care can help. Get in touch with Independence-4-Seniors Home Care for more information about how our elder care in Burr Ridge and the surrounding areas can help someone you love.