Take time to see how relatives faring

We live in a mobile society where families don't always live in the same town or even state for that matter. So it isn't uncommon for the adult children of seniors to have some concerns about how their parents are doing.

This year, while you're enjoying the companionship of your family and catching up on lost time, make use of your visit to review your aging loved ones' living status.

Holiday traditions tempt the five senses. These senses can also be used to evaluate the status of elderly family members. Families often overlook a variety of warning signs such as forgetfulness, lack of house cleaning or a decrease in physical appearance by writing them off to old age. Below is a checklist of indicators to help determine if a family member is in need of additional care or assistance:

Sight --- Appearance can be a sign of limitations, physical or mental, that prevent the completion of normal daily tasks. Look for food stains on clothing and other signs grooming has been let go.

Sound --- Listening to what and how seniors speak can tell you a lot about their mental status. Are they speaking normally? Are they up on the news? Have they continued their outside activities?

Smell --- Your nose can help you determine if your family member is bathing properly, keeping the house clean and eating regularly.

Taste --- Tasting their food and sorting through medications can help you determine if they are eating healthy or taking expired medicine.

Touch --- A hug could tell you that your family member is fragile, losing weight and putting him or herself in jeopardy of injury or even malnourishment from not eating properly. Check the skin --- is it soft, supple and is the color normal? Are they losing weight?

If you sense a problem, the next steps is to discuss the situation with the individual. It is important to reassure seniors about your questions. They don't want to lose their independence and may be afraid of being moved out into a strange environment. Let them know about other care alternatives before you ask questions such as: Are you having trouble walking? Do you have trouble driving at night?

Make a doctor's appointment for the individual. Make it when you, another family member or someone else can relay the concerns directly to the doctor. Sometimes these warning signs can be a direct result of outdated medication or perhaps a dosage that needs to be changed.

Determine what services are available in the community. Talk with local social service agencies or community organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging or the Department on Aging.

Weigh all of your options when it comes to providing the best care for your family member.

Make minor adjustments in lifestyle. It may be necessary to bring in outside help to provide companionship and assist with daily activities such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and trips to the doctor. Be cautious about hiring independent caregivers --- you or your parent will be responsible for paying payroll taxes and worker's compensation insurance, as well as screening and hiring caregivers.

Many reputable companies exist that carefully screen their caregivers, handle all of the employment issues, provide ongoing training, as well as taking care of bonding and insurance.

By taking the time to address these issues before they reach a crisis stage, your family will be able to create new memories with loved ones for years to come.

Sarah Cox and her husband, Randy, own Comfort Keepers, which offers companionship and other non-medical services for aging adults, new mothers and others needing assistance. For more information, call 267-8200.

Assistance: Use senses to find where help is needed

Please see ASSISTANCE, Page 5

Continued from Page 4

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