Did you know there are warning signs that can indicate when an aging love one needs long-term care? There’s no better time to look out for these warning signs than the holidays when families are together.
One red flag to note involves trouble with driving. Since aging loved ones may be driving long distances in winter conditions, it’s important to make sure they are still capable of driving safely. Adult children should monitor their parents’ driving ability by riding as a passenger and note any signs of driving difficulty.
Problems with nourishment and hydration may also indicate a long-term care need. Unusual or prolonged exhaustion is one telltale sign of poor nutrition. Also, keep an eye on your loved one’s eating and drinking habits at holiday meals. If problems are noticed, make sure they receive some kind of caregiving or assistance after the holidays to ensure they are being properly nourished.
It’s also important to take note of any significant changes in memory or behavior. If there are any signs of forgetfulness or behaviors associated with memory loss that could jeopardize their health, these concerns should be addressed immediately with a doctor.
If any of these warning signs are noticed over the holidays, your loved ones may need long-term care. Get through and enjoy the holidays, and then afterwards, start making plans for how to best address those issues. It might not be an easy conversation, but it will be a necessary one.
It is also a good time to look at what your own care plans be. To receive the best care with the most options, look into long-term care insurance. Call us today for a no-cost, no obligation consultation. Also, ask me for a copy of the free guide “Ten Tips for Talking to Your Aging Parents”.
