Holiday Wellness Check for Elderly Relatives
Approximately 15 percent of the 34 million Americans caring for elderly family members live more than an hour’s drive from their loved ones. The holidays may be one of the few times everyone gathers and can spend extended time with these older adults. Because physical and mental health can rapidly decline for seniors, there are some things to note when visiting elderly family members during the holidays.
Weight loss. This visual clue may be the most obvious sign of physical or mental health issues. Seniors who seem to have lost a lot of weight in a year may not be eating properly or have a digestive illness. Dementia or depression may also be a contributing factor. Ask about their appetite and address concerns with their doctor.
Changes in the home. Another visual sign of age-related decline can be the loved one’s surroundings. If the house seems untidy, you see insects or rodents, or bills stacked up, it might be a sign something is amiss with your loved one. Finding items in unusual places, such as a hairbrush in the freezer, is another sign of possible trouble.
Mobility and balance. Limited mobility can cause seniors to withdraw from activities inside and outside the house. Notice whether your elderly loved one has difficulty rising from a seated position, seems unsteady on their feet or has a change in their gait.
Change in mood or behavior. Look for signs of depression, such as losing interest in hobbies or declining personal hygiene. Agitation or confusion may be signs of a urinary tract infection, one of the most common infections in seniors. While cognitive decline may be something as simple as dehydration, it may also be a sign of something more serious such as dementia.
While you may want to keep things light and festive during holiday celebrations, talk with other family members about the things you notice, collect essential information, and connect with a healthcare provider to make an assessment and determine the next steps in caregiving.
