They have been there your entire life, and they have always seemed to be the same\u2014same habits, opinions, interests, tastes in clothes, food, and the same outlook on life. Until recently, when you noticed some differences.<\/p>\n
Recently, however, you have noticed some changes to the normal behavior. Before, Mom was always neatly dressed, and moved energetically about the house. Dad talked about sports and current events, and loved to read the newspaper. Now, Mom looks a little unkempt, repeatedly wearing the same clothes with some stains, and she spends a lot of time sitting in her chair. Dad seems disinterested in how his favorite team is doing, and five newspapers are on the front lawn, unopened.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to take a closer look.<\/p>\n
Plenty of areas exist around the house where subtle behavior changes can be identified. Look where the mail is normally kept \u2014 are there piles of unopened, overdue bills? Is there dust and grime throughout the house, where before it had been regularly cleaned? Also, check to see if house maintenance has been neglected\u2014items that have needed repair or replacement that have been ignored for weeks or months.<\/p>\n
Is the yard or garden that used to be kept so immaculately now overgrown and weed-filled?<\/p>\n
Are there new unexplained dents or scratches on your parents\u2019 car? Has the garage been damaged in such a way that indicate diminished driving skills?<\/p>\n
Your parents\u2019 checkbook or online accounts will indicate how well they are keeping up with their finances. Have the utility bills and insurance premiums been consistently paid on time?<\/p>\n
The medicine cabinet may indicate problems if you discover that medications have not been taken as prescribed (the bottle of medications you looked at a couple of weeks ago still has about the same number of pills in it).<\/p>\n
Take a closer look at your parents. Does their appearance, including cleanliness of clothes, and personal hygiene no longer meet the standards they used to maintain? Do you see unexplained bruising on their bodies that may indicate\u00a0falls or other accidents<\/a>?<\/p>\n Also, watch your parents as they move about the home. Do they have difficulty rising from a chair? Have stairs become a significant challenge? Is using the bathroom tub or toilet now a problem? Ask them about any new pains or physical challenges they may be experiencing.<\/p>\n An examination of the pantry may reveal expired food items. If the refrigerator still contains the now moldy casserole you saw three weeks ago, it could have just been overlooked\u2026 or it might point to a more serious problem.<\/p>\n All of these items could be\u00a0signs of depression<\/a>, physical disability, or cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n As awkward as it may feel, there are questions that should be discussed with your parents if you see many of these warning signs:<\/p>\n If what you see or the answers you receive start to cause you alarm, bring the family together and discuss your observations. You should also talk to your parents\u2019 physician, and you may also want to involve a care manager, a skilled and experienced senior care professional who can provide answers and resources to meet a wide array of senior care needs.<\/p>\n If your senior loved one needs additional support, it may be time to consider\u00a0Care Management services<\/a>\u00a0or explore senior living community options. Bethesda\u2019s communities across the St. Louis area offer a wide range of care and services to meet your senior loved ones needs.\u00a0Contact a community near you<\/a>\u00a0to learn more or schedule a tour.<\/strong><\/p>\nOther Items to Look For:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Other Items to Question<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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