Changes - Factors that determine more help at home or a higher level of care is needed
There
is an overwhelming amount of information about housing options for senior
adults which causes confusion and frustration for the caregiver/adult child.
The greatest challenge is finding the “right” level of care. Most seniors
prefer the comfort of their home to an assisted living or nursing home
setting. They want to maintain
their independence for as long as possible.
However,
the truth is some need more than “just a little” help.
How
do you determine when it is time for additional help or plan a move into a
community where twenty-four hour assistance is available? Here are some CHANGES to look for that signal
more care or a move is needed.
· Safety – Leaving
the gas stove on, setting fire in a microwave oven, forgetting a driving route
they have traveled for years, unexplained injuries or car accidents, and letting
strangers in their home without hesitation.
· Falls – Falling
without tripping, from weakness, poor balance, coordination, and visual impairment.
· Medication Mismanagement – Does not take
medications as prescribed, forgets to take medication, improper storage,
incorrect dosages, continuing to take discontinued medications.
· Loss of Executive
Function – Difficulty planning or processing information. Inability to organize thoughts. Inappropriate
social behavior.
· Memory Loss –
Unable to manage a schedule or remember appointments. Makes repetitive
significant financial errors. Compensates for memory loss by asking others to
“remember” for them. Requires verbal
cuing for activities of daily living, i.e., dressing, bathing, and ambulation.
· Functional
Limitations – Unsafe when stepping over a tub or getting in and out of a
car. Finds it difficult to put on
clothing or shoes due to pain or limited range of motion in joints. Visual and hearing impairments limit social
interaction and miscommunication with healthcare professionals.
These
changes signal an ALERT!! Planning before a crisis helps you make the
best decision for your loved one. Start
the conversation NOW. Ask questions and
look for these subtle but very important changes.
Next….what are Levels of Care?
