Search Articles
Browse Categories
Help is Never Far From Home
By Connie Hinds, R.N.
For many adult children who have moved away from home, the holiday season is the first time in months that they’ve been back to visit with Mom or Dad. That first hug can tell you that they are more frail. Seeing changes in their appearance can be a sign of limitations, physical or mental.
The following are some questions to ask yourself when visiting. If you can answer yes to some of them, they may benefit from some extra help that a home health care company can provide:
• Are you sensing a decline in their personal hygiene?
• Do you notice any unusual bruising or skin tears?
• Do they appear unsteady when walking or have difficulty getting in or out of a chair? Can they put their shoes on? Do they admit to any recent falls?
• Do you sense a lack of interest or ability in keeping up with housekeeping?
• Are they losing track of their medications, or not taking recommended doses?
• Are they driving dangerously or do they easily become lost in familiar areas?
• Have they stopped preparing meals or eating at regular times, or missing them completely?
• Are they leaving the stove on or cigarettes burning?
If you sense a problem, you and other family members should act. As hard as it is, know that by responding, you will help keep your family member safe.
Bayada Nurses offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, and personal care and support services – ranging from bathing and grooming to light housekeeping to escorts and companions – to help Mom and Dad with routine everyday tasks, and ensure that they remain safely and comfortably in their home. We can provide a home safety evaluation, and a Bayada nurse will provide ongoing oversight and keep you updated on their condition.
Unrated
Comments
- No Comments Found. Submit Comment
|
Article Options |
Share your Opinion and WIN!
Take our quick survey & enter to WIN a gift certificate.