Recognizing when seniors are in need of care By Izayana Pineda Special to the Western News
If you were to identify your most dreaded health related family discussion, which would it be? 1. Talking to your children about sex; 2. Talking to your spouse about a healthier lifestyle. 3. Talking to your parents about arranging additional care as they age. If it is number 3, you’re not alone. The topic is so fraught with emotional mine ¿elds that many families never have the discussion, until emergency forces the adult children in the family to recognize that mom and/or dad can no longer cope with all the requirements of day-to-day living. The medical miracles that are giving us longer lives have also increased the number of seniors who are living longer but with age-related challenges. Neglected, these age-related challenges can have a further negative impact on overall health. For example, the senior who slips into living on ‘tea and toast’ will then suffer from poor nutrition. Seniors living alone who are no longer able to drive or walk signi¿cant distances can suffer from isolation and loneliness, leading to energy and health-sapping depression. Fortunately, there are solutions, ranging from at-home, drop-in care to seniors’ residences which offer a range of
support services, including served meals, on-site socialization and activities. But the time to discuss these options is before an accident, advanced malnutrition, or a mix-up in pills ends with the family gathered at the emergency ward and needing an immediate solution for mom or dad. In addition, seniors can be targeted by unscrupulous con artists, who will drain a bank account, or will forget regular bill payments, leading to essential utilities being shut off. Signs that it is time to make plans with your parent(s) to ensure their physical and ¿nancial health and safety include the following: Q Poor eating habits, perhaps resulting in a decrease in weight, combined with no appetite and/or missed meals. Q Neglect of personal care and hygiene, which may include wearing dirty clothes, body odour, neglected of nails, hair and teeth. Q Neglect within the home, which is not as clean or sanitary as usual. Q Unusual or inappropriate behaviour, including being unusually loud or quiet, paranoid, depressed or making phone calls at all hours. Q Changes in relationship patterns signi¿cant enough to be noticed by family, friends and neighbours. Q If a senior is taking medication, signs that the medication is not being taken on schedule, such as medication left in blister packs or doses taken ahead of schedule. Q Burns or injuries resulting from weakness, forgetfulness or misuse of alcohol and/or medication; decreased participation in usual activities, such as attending the senior centre, book club or church. Q Scorched pots and pans, indicating forgetting dinner cooking on the stove. Q Unopened mail, newspaper piles, and missed appointments; and mishandled ¿nances such as losing money, paying bills twice or hiding money. Planning ahead can help preserve the health and ¿nancial stability of the elders in the family so you can share their love for many more happy years. Izayana Pineda is the manager of Sun Village Retirement Residence.
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PENTICTON WESTERN NEWS
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
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