Living across the country from family makes it complicated to go visit our older loved ones as frequently as we’d like, but over the holidays, families make a more concerted effort to spend in-person time together – making it the ideal opportunity to review a senior’s safety and wellbeing. There are lots of warning signs that are not spotted in weekly phone conversations, texts, or even through Skype, but which often become very clear when the family gathers together for the holidays.
The experienced home care team at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care recommends asking yourself these questions to figure out if there are any senior safety concerns that need to be further looked into:
Home Concerns:
- Is there a change in cleanliness of the home?
- Are there piles of clutter, such as stacks of papers and mail?
- Are food items in the freezer or fridge and pantry fresh?
- Do you see burn or scorch marks on pans, counter tops, or anywhere else in the kitchen?
- Is the home being maintained at a comfortable temperature?
Personal Concerns:
- Has the individual lost or gained weight?
- Has general personal hygiene declined?
- Can you notice any bruises, scratches, or other injuries?
- Does the senior family member seem to be encountering issues with strength or balance?
- Are all required medical aids being appropriately used and in good condition, such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids?
Monetary Concerns:
- Are there collection statements, bills that have gone unpaid, telephone messages from debt collectors?
- Do bank account statements include any suspicious activity?
- Is the older adult lacking in any needed essentials?
- Is the older adult receiving – and answering inappropriately to – solicitation phone calls or mailings?
- Are there any added names included on statements from the bank that may possibly be indicative of potential fraudulence?
If these or any other warning signs are witnessed, a critical starting point is to set up an appointment with the senior’s doctor to address any potential health concerns. Then, contact Independence-4-Seniors Home Care for assistance in resolving a variety of issues related to aging at home, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to doctors’ appointments, compassionate companionship to deter isolation and loneliness, and much more.
Click here for more warning signs that seniors need help at home during the holidays.
Serving Hinsdale and the surrounding area, it is the objective of Independence-4-Seniors Home Care to keep older adults safe, healthy, and thriving at home. Our care staff are thoroughly screened, interviewed, and background checked to assure peace of mind for family members, and trained and experienced in a variety of facets of senior care. Call us at (630) 323-4665 for a free in-home consultation to learn how we can best meet your loved one’s individual needs.