If you have observed two or more of the following characteristics, you may need to seek professional advice for your older loved one:
Physical Signs:
- Recent health problems
- Serious side effects from medications
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Repeated falls (bruises on arms and legs can be an indicator)
- Neglected hygiene
- Incontinence
Cognitive/ Orientation Signs:
- Memory lapses
- Impaired thinking
- Impaired communication (verbal or written)
- Unaware of person, place, and time
- Inability to account for time
Behavioral Signs:
- Aggressiveness or abusiveness
- Isolation
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Neglected appearance
- Lethargy or apathy
- Any other drastic change in routine
Financial Signs:
- Not paying bills on time
- Unable to balance check book
- Not able to account for spending
Daily Living Signs:
- Trouble grocery shopping
- Difficultly cooking, eating, or using appliances safely
- Less frequent or poor house cleaning
- Difficulty bathing
- Poor mobility
- Needs help dressing
- Cannot drive a car or use public transportation safely
- Check the automobile for any new dents or fresh paint from a repair
A few safety considerations to think about if you want to be proactive:
Home Safety Tips:
- Add handrails or grab bars in the bathroom
- Invest in an emergency response system
- Check for adequate lighting (seniors need 30% more light to see)
- Remove scatter or throw rugs and minimize clutter
- Buy a cordless phone for them to carry with them in the house
- Consider widening doorways and adding a ramp to the home entrance
