Identifying needs of the elderly will be difficult, especially should you are working with the elderly or just attempting to help parents or other members of the family.
Your parents will often reassure you that every one is well because they are not looking for you to fret about them. The reality is, they could not want your help and truly feel they don’t need it.
You might be in a difficult situation since you are not looking for to pry into their affairs, but you might be starting to comprehend help could also be needed. Listed below are a number of tricks to help assess the situation objectively:
#1 While you enter the house, what’s your first response? Does the house seem overly hot or cool? Are the rooms unduly stuffy or dark? Are window shades and curtains drawn in midday for no apparent reason?
#2 Is there an odor in the house? Elderly often have urinary problems and will have stained clothing and even dribbles on the ground to the toilet. Due to lack of vision and sensory perceptions, they might not be aware of the issue themselves.
#3 How is the kitchen, are dishes done? Now, let’s be realistic here; should you come to my home unannounced, you could find dirty dishes or some chores undone. Nonetheless, after they begin to stack up, it could possibly be an issue. Notice the unwashed dishes; is there dried food in them? Is there food left on the counter from the last meal?
#4 Take a look at the refrigerator. Are leftovers stored without covers? Are the vegatables and fruits wilted or spoiled. Check to see if condiments are stored properly and never too old to make use of.
#5 If possible, try the medication cabinets or drawers. Check the dates to find out if medicine prescriptions are being filled properly and brought as prescribed. You might have to contact the doctor or pharmacist.
#6 Is the trash emptied or are all of the waste baskets overflowing? Are tables and chairs piled high with papers, mail, and magazines?
#7 When visiting a parent or loved one you don’t visit often, learn to concentrate on changes in behavior or housekeeping. Do you see signs of increased neglect in any of the above areas? What has modified since your last visit?
#8 If you may have concerns about whether or not the mail is handled properly and bills are paid on time, you’ll have to contact utility corporations to make certain they’re up up to now.
Recognizing the necessity for assistance is a starting. Once you already know what the true needs are, you may seek assist in meeting those needs. It’s thing to maintain a small notebook to list any changes you observe.
We’re fortunate today to have access to many agencies that work with the elderly. Knowing the extent of their situation is critical to making sure a correct response to our questions when in search of advice.
Whether the elderly are family or friends and neighbors, respect their privacy and honor their wishes as much as possible. At the identical time, do your best to accurately assess the situation so that you would be able to get them the assistance they need.
By taking time to have a look at the complete home and private needs objectively, you may determine whether the necessity will be met by part-time help or not. If the situation calls for more drastic measures, you shall be prepared to assist meet that need.