Recognizing Signs of the "Senior Slide" During the Holidays

It’s the time of year for joyous holiday visits with elderly parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. It’s also the time to be on alert for signs of decline in your elderly loved ones that may indicate a need for in-home assistance to keep them aging safely in place. Assisted Living Services, Inc., a non-medical senior homecare agency with offices in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam, Connecticut, offers tips on what families should look for this holiday season,

“Every January we experience a spike in phone calls inquiring about in-home care because most people have recently gathered with families and have noticed a physical or mental impairment impacting their elderly loved one’s daily life and safety both in and outside of the home,” said Mario D’Aquila, chief operating officer at Assisted Living Services. “Age-related decline can happen quickly, so even if you see a loved one frequently, subtle changes are easy to overlook.”

He notes that the first step should be a visit to the senior’s primary care physician for a check-up to rule out any underlying causes, review all medications and help determine if professional home health care, such as nursing care, or physical therapy is necessary.

Some warning signs that may indicate an elderly person needs additional help around the house or increased personal care include:

• Forgetfulness/confusion
• Neglect of physical appearance or basic hygiene
• Neglect of medical needs
• Trouble performing routine tasks or chores
• Personality changes
• Inability to handle finances, pay bills
• Unsteadiness, clumsiness or recent history of falling

In addition, D’Aquila shares that clutter in the home is another key indicator that can become very dangerous as it increases the risk of falls and impedes a senior’s activities of daily living. It can also be a sign of depression.

“It’s important to monitor a senior’s mental and physical health needs together since isolation and loneliness can accelerate decline,” adds D’Aquila. “In-home caregivers provide that crucial link that offer stimulation and social connection by playing games, planning activities, cooking and eating meals together, accompanying them to religious services or driving their elderly clients to visit friends.”

Further, D’Aquila notes that while the Winter Blues affect many people, older adults, who may not soak up much fresh air and sunshine, are especially vulnerable. This population may avoid going outdoors entirely during the winter months if they are concerned about falling on snow and ice.

By utilizing sophisticated senior technology from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.,, such as personal emergency response systems, seniors can be assured that help is available at the touch of a button. These devices are equipped with fall detection technology that immediately calls emergency responders, as well as GPS location that enables care specialists to locate the senior in an emergency.

Technological devices can also help a senior maintain independence inside the home with automated medication dispensers, home and fire safety devices, fall and wander prevention tools, remote monitoring systems and devices for the hearing impaired.

“Caregivers are a family’s best resource to make a plan of action for their senior loved one to age in place and provide peace of mind for the entire family,” concludes D’Aquila. “Oftentimes all that is necessary is the right non-medical support team at home.”

About Assisted Living Service, Inc. & Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.

Since 1996, family-owned home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam has provided quality senior care to residents across Connecticut with its 700+ employees and caregiving staff. The company’s unique CarePlus program blends personal care with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. The company was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com, www.assistedlivingtechnologies.com or calling 203.634.8668.