Despite the Covid pandemic, millions of Americans went home for the holidays. For many adults, this is one of the few occasions when multiple generations gather under one roof. If your parents are getting older, your trip back to the family home can lead to concern if you see the unmistakable signs of physical or cognitive decline over the holidays in your parents.
Did you visit your parents over the holidays? Did you notice a decline over the holidays that are leaving your concerned?
- Was the mail piled up or unopened?
- Were there notices from creditors?
- Were her carpet stains from dropping things?
- Was there an odor of urine in the house?
- Were mom’s family recipes burned or not cooked enough?
- Was there insufficient food in the pantry or decaying food in the refrigerator?
- Were the pets being cared for?
- Was the home being maintained as usual?
- Did the car have signs of damage?
- Were there changes in personality, hygiene or ability to engage in conversation?
If you observed any of the above decline over the holidays, all may not be well, despite your parent’s claims to the contrary.
What should you do? The first step is to talk with your parents about their care needs in a way that enables them to identify the problem and come up with potential solutions. If the decline is physical, not cognitive, it is critical that your parents are the ones making the decision to seek help. Above all, let compassion be your guide as you initiate these difficult conversations.
If your become concerned about an elderly loved one’s ability to care for him or herself, Burzynski Elder Law may be able to help. We focus on helping seniors seek good care without going broke. Call us and 239 434-8557 to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.