How Do You Know Your Relative Needs Help

ASK DONNA.....

"Aging parents: 5 warning signs of health problems" This is a great article by the Mayo Clinic Staff.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging-parents/HA00082

Holiday visits are a perfect time to check in on our aging relatives and see how they are doing.  Sometimes the changes are small - overdue bills on the desk or expired food in the refrigerator.  Sometimes the changes are indication of a bigger problem - bruising, reports of falls, stove on without anyone using it, dents on the car, etc.

Begin talking about subjects that won't create a defensive position by them.  Just ask about how they are feeling, what their routine is, if they are visiting with friends, etc.  Watch them walk and see if they are steady or using furniture as a cane.  Look to see how their clothes fit them to determine if there is weight loss.  Observe them during meals and see what and how they are eating.

Ask them what might be more difficult for them recently and how you can help. Start with one problem at a time and prioritize those that have the largest impact.  There is no one answer for everyone since all problems are complex and indicative of different underlying conditions.  Just being aware and observant is the first step.

Offer to drive them to the next doctor's appointment with the promise of a stop for lunch and more visit time so it looks like you just want to visit and not "check up on them".  Creating a medical history that will record doctor visits and medication changes will allow you to help them stay organized.  Medication list and allergies along with physician's names, specialties and contact information is a great way to keep everyone informed.  Take this information to each doctor's visit.  An upcoming blog will discuss different templates and computer jump drive systems you can use to help put together a personal health history together for your relative.

A geriatric care manager could also be helpful if you are not in the same area or have the time to review what changes and options are available.  Further information on these healthcare professionals and how they can help will be in a future blog along with different levels of care from home health agencies and personal assistance services.

For now, just observe, talk, discuss and collect enough information and trust to start a plan to help your aging relative maintain the highest level of independence, quality and safety in their life as possible.

Don't forget you can email me your questions and I will help you with the issues!