Home for the Holidays: Ensuring Your Loved One's Are Happy and Healthy this Season

Visiting family members over the holiday season can be a special experience. If you don't get the chance to visit with them often, use this opportunity to check in on their overall well-being. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating how your loved ones are living:

Personal Hygiene: Does Dad appear to be well groomed and clean? If you notice a difference in his appearance, you may want to ask if he's able to keep up with the laundry or if he is having trouble bathing. Personal hygiene problems could be caused by depression, memory loss, control and weaker senses. It’s important to understand exactly why he's taking less care of his personal hygiene. Without proper understanding you will find it difficult to reach the best solution.

Nutrition: Does Mom look like she may have lost weight? While she may love to hear she’s dropped a few pounds, unintentional weight loss can lead to a higher risk for infection. Weight loss could also be a sign of malnourishment or serious illness. Ensure she's not only getting enough to eat but that she's eating healthy.

Health: Are your parents able to walk on their own or do you notice them reaching for help? Perhaps their grabbing onto a rail or chair just to take a few steps. Recognizing they need assistance getting around the house could prevent a fall later.

Finances: Do you see any delinquent notices or unpaid bills lying around? Often times seniors miss bills, spend all their money or become victims of scams. If you suspect your elderly family member is a victim of financial exploitation, contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. 

Mental Health: Does Grandma have difficulty remembering names or appear to be anti-social? As our loved ones age, it’s natural for some changes to occur however; persistent memory loss or cognitive impairment is another thing and potentially serious. Consider having a conversation with her physician.

Home Safety: While you’re visiting, why not take a few extra minutes to do a safety check. Replace batteries in smoke alarms, check to ensure light bulbs are working, check for use of extension cords, and space heaters.

Whatever the problems you are facing with elderly parents, there are always people to help. Consider assistance from an in home care provider like Home Helpers. Professionally trained caregivers can provide support with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship services to keep your loved one safe and comfortable.