Signs, signs, everywhere are signs
The inspiration for one of my favorite songs from the 1970s was the proliferation of billboards that the composer saw during a road trip along historic Route 66. We have all encountered signs like those pictured above that are “blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.” Not so surprisingly, we tend to “block out” or ignore these signs that seem to be everywhere.
However, there are some signs that we should never ignore – stop signs come immediately to mind. Other signs may be a bit more subtle. For example, as families gather together this holiday season, we may need to pay closer attention to our parents, grand-parents, aunts and uncles to notice the telltale signs that problems may be on the horizon.
Listed below are five signs that may indicate that a senior may need a visit to their physician and additional assistance with basic activities at home:
- Poor hygiene. Infrequent bathing, poor tooth brushing habits, unkempt hair and the habit of wearing the same clothes day after day are sure signs that assistance may be needed.
- Weight loss. Many times, a senior may stop going to the grocery store or cooking. How many times have you heard, “It’s hard to cook for just me” or “I don’t need to eat that much.” A quick peek into the fridge may show a lack of basic foodstuffs or, even worse, spoiled food – other signs that your loved one may not be getting the proper nutrition.
- Clutter. If the senior’s home seems dirtier than usual or if there are piles of mail (unpaid bills?) or a sink full of dirty dishes, intervention may be necessary.
- Social withdrawal. Another warning sign is when someone shows little interest in maintaining friendships.
- Bruises. Seniors may try to keeps falls a secret but signs of injury, such as unexplained bruises, are a big warning sign. Seniors with a history of falling are at risk for future fall and more serious injuries which should be avoided at all costs.
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If your loved one show one or more of these signs, you may need to have a frank discussion with them about introducing a caregiver into their home to assist them with everyday activities and keep them safe in their home. Call us today at 816-333-3322 to learn more and to schedule a risk-free Assessment and Safety Evaluation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.