Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties, and other seasonal events present an opportunity to really check in with aging loved ones whom you may not have seen very often during this year.
When spending time with an older loved one, you may notice that he or she is moving more slowly, appears to be in pain, or is not as sociable as usual. Maybe he or she is struggling to follow conversations or recall the names of family members. These are warning signs that your loved one may need medical attention or help with tasks of everyday living.
Here are some additional signs to watch out for:
- General confusion
- Trouble answering simple questions
- Difficulty hearing
- Neglect of physical appearance or basic hygiene
- Trouble performing routine tasks
- Personality changes
- Your loved one is talking about sudden money troubles (maybe he or she is struggling to manage a checkbook or is giving money away to scammers)
- Unsteadiness or clumsiness
- Repeats the same information or asks the same questions during short conversations
If your loved one displays any of the signs above, it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable going directly to your aging loved one, talk with other family members to see if they also noticed unusual behaviors or warning signs.
From there, you can approach your loved one together to discuss the possibility of increased care, whether it be regular check-ins from family members, moving to assisted living, or placement in a nursing home.
Whatever the outcome is, we are here to answer any questions you have and guide you through your long-term care options, including how to find and pay for any care that’s needed in the least restrictive environment possible. Just contact our office at (504) 831-2348 to schedule an appointment.
Have a safe and happy holiday season,
Chip Morrison
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