How to know when a loved-one needs help
Posted on 05. Mar, 2010 by Rick in Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Brain Activation, Dementia, Depression, Suggestions
Many changes in life for our aging loved-one, may require attention and support. An active care plan can lessen the impact and improve quality of life. Things may seem normal on the outside, but under the surface nothing is as it should be. The only way to truly know is to be open and honest with yourself and the clues you are seeing.
There are definite signs that indicate some kind of assistance may be necessary. Failing eyesight, memory lapses, confusion, fatigue, sadness, drug and other substance-abuse and appetite changes can account for a diminished ability to manage a home. As spouses and family caregivers, we might want to deny the need for help and hope for the best, but when observed objectively the need for action and increased care is usually undeniable.
This posting contains a simple observational checklist. You may wish to use it to objectively assess your loved-one’s current condition and their ability to safely function independently.