Neighbor News
ADD REVIEWING ELDER'S NEEDS TO YOUR LIST OF NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Advice on how to help those living at home who might be in need of a little help with housekeeping and/or medical needs.
When the first of the year rolls around we make resolutions for many things. We may want to lose those extra pounds added during the holidays, pay off bills from all the holiday purchases, start an exercise regime, create more down time, etc. All those are noble ideas and good goals, but there is another to think about especially if you have a senior or handicapped near and dear to you.
“The first of the year is a good time to look closely at the care requirements for seniors or anyone close to you who needs a little extra help with their daily needs,” said Sandy Fromm, Administrator, Personal-Touch Home Health Services of New Jersey. “Heeding the warning signs early that basic medical care or homemaking is not up-to-snuff will prevent serious problems down the road.”
There are few things everyone with an elder or handicapped person under their care should look for including:
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1. Changes in personality and/or inappropriate behavior
2. Not taking medications as prescribed
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3. Skin abrasions such as bruises, cuts or sores
4. Balance issues; falling frequently
5. Unpleasant body odor
6. Urine smell in home
7. Dirty house
8. Spoiled food in refrigerator
9. Missed appointments and/or forgetting to pay bills
10. New and/or numerous dent on automobile
According to Fromm, “Our seniors and handicapped individuals are very independent souls today and there are many tools that help them stay in touch with the outside world when they are homebound, but this technology does not replace the importance of consistent observation and supervision by people close to them. Even though they can skip the trip to the grocery store or pharmacy with the convenience of ordering online they may require a little assistance putting those groceries away or supervising that the medicine ordered gets taken according to the doctor’s orders and that is where certified home health aides can make a difference.”
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Contact:
Vickie Bello, vbello@vbgroup.net, 201-532-9888
