Page 38 - Healthcare News July/August 2022

Reading the Room
How Would You Know If Your Parents Need Help?
MBy Brenda Labbe
any older adults tell their children they are perfectly capable of continuing to run their own lives and will resist the idea of admit-
ting they might need a little help to continue doing so. We’ve listed a few signs that might indicate a parent needs some extra help.
The signs are areas for review and observation. Our list is not intended to be a complete list nor suggest
you need to contact medical help immediately. They are widespread indicators we frequently encounter working with families across the Greater Springfield area.
Poor Nutrition or Lack of
Food for Meals
It is pretty standard for older adults to have smaller meals. Still, a lack of interest in eating or preparing nutritious meals can be problematic for maintaining overall physical and emotional health, especially if your loved one lives alone. You might observe and ask yourself if your loved one is having trouble with eyesight or sense of smell, which can impact their interest in eating. Additionally, if you see spoiled or expired foods in their home, this can severely affect their health.
Unopened Mail, Unpaid Bills, or Being in Debt Collection
Declining eyesight, increasing forgetfulness or
memory loss, and painful arthritic conditions can all hamper the ability of older adults to regularly open mail, organize bills to be paid, and write the checks for the bills to be mailed. Unpaid bills can quickly accelerate, debt collectors may be calling for overdue payments, and your loved one may avoid answering all phone calls. Consider if online banking could help organize payment due dates and timely payments to
avoid late fees.
Frequent Falls
If your parent is having frequent falls or you have observed new bruises on their face or body, chances are their physician should evaluate them for illness, dehydration, infections, or X-rays for fractures. Medication changes and the need for foot care can also increase the fall risk. Foot care provided by a podiatrist includes observations about how footwear fits, laces, and supports our aging feet. Additionally, observe the home lighting and walkways for clutter or trip hazards.
Unsafe Driving
For many older adults, driving can become more challenging as our body reflexes slow down in the aging process. Poor eyesight, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy can become barriers to safe driving.
Suppose you observe your parents’ automobile
to have new scratches, missing mirrors, or frequent fender benders. This can indicate a need for a deeper conversation about surrendering a driver’s license. Careful planning for their future without driving should consider what other transportation methods will support regular medical appointments and maintaining socialization with activities they enjoy.
Parents
Continued on page 49
“It is pretty
standard for
older adults to
have smaller
meals. Still, a
lack of interest
in eating or
preparing nutritious meals can be problematic for maintaining overall physical and emotional health, especially if your loved one lives alone.”
Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc.
Your first call for:
Advice
Our Bilingual Resource Specialists Can Answer
Support
For Older Adults, Family Caregivers, & Adults Living with Disabilities
Care
In-Home Care, Adult Foster Care, Meals on Wheels, and More!
Your Questions
413-781-8800 | www.gssi.org
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38 AUGUST 2022
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