Simple Ways to Determine the Well-Being of Your Loved One (Without Being Intrusive)
As your parent ages, it’s important to keep an eye on their health and ability to take care of themselves. Most parents and loved ones won’t outright tell you they need help, so looking for signs that it’s time to move to a community where they can get the care and help they need can be the best gift you can give them this holiday season.
Keep reading for our checklist of what to look for in your parents’ life.
Give Them a Hug
When you give your parent a hug, check for weight changes and increased signs of fragility. Weight loss is common as you age, but a sudden decrease in weight can mean your parent is not getting the nutrients they need, aren’t eating enough, or have some kind of undiagnosed illness.
Check the Mail
When you check your loved one’s mail, look for unpaid bills or other forgotten tasks that they typically remember. This can be a sign of memory loss, which means it might be time to consult a doctor. Other signs of memory loss include asking the same questions over and over, getting lost in places they know well, being confused about time, people, and places, and not taking care of themselves like they should (bathing, eating poorly, etc.).
Go for a Drive
When you visit your parent this holiday season, go for a drive to check for impaired driving. Additionally, be sure to check their vehicle for dents, as this can be a sign that their ability to drive is not what it used to be. Catching this early is important; if your parent gets behind the wheel, they need to be fully capable of getting from point A to point B.
Inspect the Kitchen
Check your parents’ kitchen for expired or spoiled food, broken appliances, functioning batteries, or other signs that they might be struggling with everyday tasks. Additionally, keep an eye on them while they’re cooking. Are they burning food? Miscalculating cooking time? Forgetting certain steps or ingredients? These can all be indicators that they need assistance.
Walk Around the House
While you’re visiting, be sure to check their house for neglect, clutter, misplaced items, or rummaging behaviors. These can all be indicators of memory loss. If your parent is already living with memory loss, make sure to keep items in places where they are used to them being, keep the living environment as tidy as possible, and use visual clues around the house as reminders of where things go.
Observe Their Social Life
If possible, keep an eye on your parents’ social life during the holidays. Are they self-isolating? Not going to events they would normally go to? Exhibiting behavior that is outside the norm? These can all be indicators that they are struggling and could benefit from senior living.
Get Peace of Mind This Holiday Season
During your holiday visits this year, make sure to keep an eye on your loved one to observe any unusual behaviors. It can be difficult to face the reality that your parent might not be able to live on their own anymore, but getting them in a caring and loving community sooner rather than later can be the best thing for them and give you peace of mind.
The Aspenwood Company Can Help Seniors Live Life Well®
When it comes to your living situation, it is important to choose a community that will provide you with a rich and vibrant life.
Our communities are the standard of luxurious living for mature adults. You will find our properties in the most sought-after locations, in the middle of culture and activity, where a vibrant lifestyle surrounds you. We’ve spent 25 years fine-tuning every detail of luxurious living so that our residents enjoy a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.
There’s luxury, and then there is Aspenwood luxury.
In order to become a member of an Aspenwood luxury community, mature adults will face some hard, but important decisions. Be assured that our team is trustworthy and compassionate, and ready to serve you. We are here to provide encouragement, support, and helpful information.
You have the opportunity to pursue and experience freedom like never before. It’s time to experience the laughter, the energy, the activity, the friendly faces, and the caring people of The Aspenwood Company. It’s time to Live Life Well®.