Eldercare: When is it the Right Time to Intervene?

One of the most frequently asked questions of those in the senior care profession is “How do I know when it is time to intervene in behalf of my loved one?”  Sometimes our loved ones can mask their deficiencies when we visit them, or when we are looking for something more dramatic as a marker.  Really, it is simply when you observe changes in your loved ones’ condition, and deterioration in more than one area.

Some examples you will observe, that are clear warning signs that the elder is not capable of managing on their own.

— Falls – typically 3 or more within a 6 month period

— Weight loss – either indicating poor diet, loss of interest in eating, or no access to healthy meals

— Confusion – indicates problems monitoring medications, either under or over medicating, or the presence of an undiagnosed cognitive issue

— Poor hygiene – disheveled appearance, avoidance of bathing due to fear of falls

— Hoarding – a new and growing collection of mail, magazines, junk piled throughout the room

— Little or no fresh food in the refrigerator, expired items stockpiled in the cupboards – indicates inability to go shopping or make sensible food choices, or loss of interest

— Car accidents, dents, scrapes – new and increasing events, indicating that driving is becoming unmanageable

— Withdrawal & social isolation – indicating the presence of a cognitive issue, depression or embarrassment about one’s inability to function independently

— Presence of one or more chronic diseases – diabetes, congestive heart failure, dementia

The next question is, “Once I observe the presence of one of more of these conditions, how do I proceed to find the best solution?” 

Please follow my next blog post, where I will discuss proactive steps to assist your loved one!