When Your Loved One Needs Help

How To Recognize When Your Loved One Needs Help
By Dunni Awoyemi

We all change gradually with time. Sometimes it happens so slowly that we can hardly see the changes - a wrinkle here, a gray hair there, maybe we go down stairs a little more slowly than last year. Just as it can be hard to notice changes in ourselves, changes in an older loved one may go unnoticed until there is a fall or some serious issue. Naturally, you want to see the clues before minor matters become major problems.

Here is a list of things to look for that could indicate your loved one needs more help:

• Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits. As people get older even cooking a simple meal can be a chore, and this can lead to poor eating habits. If you find spoiled food in the refrigerator, and a lack of nutritious food choices in the house, it may be time for more help.
  
• Lack of energy and persistent fatigue. There can be many causes of fatigue - some are physical and others are emotional. Either way, the person should be checked by a medical professional.
  
• Difficulty standing and walking or recent falls. The sense of balance becomes less sure as we age, and falling becomes a bigger risk. A medical professional can help diagnose the issue, and can also be the one to promote using a cane or walker for extra safety.
  
• Loss of interest in favorite activities, poor grooming, personal hygiene, reluctance to socialize. Depression is a risk as we get older and cannot do things we once could, and loss of interest can be a symptom. In addition to evaluation by a doctor, adding more personal interaction, as with a caregiver, can help your loved one.
  
• Confusion or mistakes about medications. Most older people have some prescription medications to take every day, often on a set schedule. When you see that some meds are not being taken correctly, it may be time to have outside help with managing the pill bottles.

Elder care professionals are trained to notice changes and to work with your loved one's doctors to ensure a safe and caring environment. Whether the need is for occasional daily help or full time live-in care, your caregiver is dedicated to making life better. We know that your loved one's health blossoms with tender care.

Dunni Awoyemi is the administrator for Dubols Home Care. Dubols is a medical and non-Medical staffing agency that provides caregivers for in home elder care services. http://www.dubols.com/