When it comes to our elders, parents or to a loved one’s safety, wellbeing and quality of life, there are many subjects I wish to share with my readers.
For instance, how many steps does it take to safe guard our elders against harm’s way and mishaps? What should we be looking for and exactly who is in charge of the monitoring?
To name a few elder wellbeing topics that most families take for granted until it is suddenly thrown into their laps, or so it seems, are: weather, driving, spending patterns, fraud and the cost of assistance and or care. Some elders need to make more than one transition for higher levels of care depending on a multitude of circumstances, for instance their home environment, their diagnosis, their medications and the affect it has on them, their mental and physical state. Below, I’ll be asking you a series of questions which you will most likely be able to answer without hesitation.
By taking the time to think these questions through and jot down your answers, you will then have a guideline of proactive actions to address. Take action now, do not procrastinate these steps. These are common concerns and can create a crisis or emotional burden on your loved one and the family if not monitored carefully to prevent things from getting out of control. Let’s recognize and address these subtle and sometimes frustrating subjects to help guide families through the steps necessary for a peaceful series of life transitions.
Weather Awareness
Let’s start with the weather. If it’s not hot and humid, it’s rainy and slick or cold and snowy – in any of these situations, one may be concered with a loved one’s safety and well being. Can they handle the dangers that come along with the weather patterns, such as heat waves and high humidity? Are they suffering from some form of dementia where they are unaware of any risk that may be jeopardizing their health? Do they remember how to control their thermostat? Perhaps they object to any assistance or advice from family or friends because of their determination to hold onto their independence, which in many cases can become a tragedy. Unfortunately, but typically, this can be the case.
This one simple topic of weather should raise a few eyebrows for many of you. Why? Because it once again is a subject we take for granted. However, when we are the primary care giver of our parents or an aging loved one, it falls onto our laps to be their eyes, ears and mouth. This one simple subject could make things extremely dangerous and forever change their lifestyle and your care giving position if not carefully reviewed and reconstructed. This is a perfect time to involve your siblings, family or friends and get the assistance your loved ones need and the support you as the primary caregiver require to be the best you can be for the sake of your loved one. We need to take the bull by the horns and establish a routine which begins with general safety. It always begins with safety first!
Driving & Transportation
How about driving? Is your loved one still in control of his or her car keys and is that a wise idea? Ask yourself, how is their reaction time? Would they be able to make a quick decision and react if a person or object came into their path without warning? How about their peripheral vision and their posture? Can they see effectively over the steering wheel and manipulate the gas and brake pedal without straining their back, neck, arms and legs? Can they turn their body or head with ease to be sure there are no other cars in their path when changing lanes or making a turn? And, do they follow the rules of the road or do they have their own set of rules which they expect others to follow? Are they the only ones in danger or are they putting others at risk? Safety check!
Diet & Hydration
Who is in charge of our loved ones diet and nutrition? Who does their shopping and who is checking expiration dates on food and over the counter medications? Are they eating at least three meals a day that contain fruits, vegetables and some form of protein? A now for the most important and taken for granted question: are they staying hydrated? Dehydration can cause many problems and complications, many times dehydration lands our elders in the hospital because of the havoc it creates.
Here are some to be aware of: decreased levels of urine output, which can lead to a UTI (urinary tract infection). This is a result of the body’s attempt to save as much fluid as possible. Dehydration can cause excessive fatigue, clouded thinking or increased symptoms of dementia or confusion, muscle – joint pains and cramps, unusual food cravings. Water is essential to the body’s normal functioning and the brain may send different signals in an attempt to get people to start drinking again. Most often our elders need to be reminded to drink fluids of any kind, but avoid alcohol, which increases the chances of dehydration and other complications. A sudden urge to eat or drink means that the body is in survival mode and is trying to get its hands on much needed fluids. Elderly dehydration can easily be avoided by close monitoring.
Finances
Who’s monitoring their bank accounts and monthly spending? Are they being taken advantage of or victimized by scams on the elderly? Does this ring any bells “they used to have $20,000 in their checking account and now it’s down to $3,500.” There is help out there. Most banks will have services to assist you and your loved one if either of you are unable to do their bills and budget on a regular basis. If your loved ones are being scammed or victimized through telemarketing, internet, door to door solicitation or mail, please contact State of New York Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau at (518) 474-6728. They are eager to assist.
Are you familiar with the cost of care? The average cost of in home care is $20 an hour; assisted living is $3,300 per month; memory care is $5,500 per month and nursing home care is $8,000 per month. What are the needs of your loved one now, how long will the assistance be utilized before the next level of care is put into place and can their monthly income combined with savings handle the necessary changes? I always encourage my readers and clients to seek the professional advice of an attorney who specializes in elder law, estate planning and Medicaid applications. Be sure to discuss with your attorney; POA (power of attorney), health proxy, living will and or advance directive.
I hope these questions and topics, which may have raised your awareness, are a helpful reminder to take action now and make revisions to your routine and the activities of your loved ones.
If you need to review other areas of concern or familiarize yourself with other challenges you may be faced with, please go to my website at www.aseniorschoiceonline.com or contact me directly at clare@aseniorschoiceonline.com or (518) 424-2527. Clare Colamaria, Founder