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Visiting With Elderly Loved Ones.

By Jennifer Sawday

The holidays are a time when people get together. Sometimes people don't visit with their elderly loved ones as regularly as they would like to, but during the holiday season everyone always makes time to visit and spend time with their loved ones. If you have elders in your midst during the holiday season, check out the list of red flags or warning signs below to see if your elderly loved one is in need of assistance. You may wish to engage in the services of a care manager to make an assessment and otherwise assist you with caring for your elderly loved ones.

Some red flags:

Physical observations -- some strong signs to look for include the possibility that your elder is dehydrated.  Some signs to look for:

• Increased thirst
• Lips dry and cracked
• Dry skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Flushing
• Fever

Physical observations in the area of decline of independence. Some signs to look for:

• Decreased ability to walk
• decreased ability to dress and bathe
• Decreased ability to feed oneself

 

Physical observations in the area of change of nutritional status. Some signs to look for:

• Recent weight loss
• Dentures no longer fit
• Loss of teeth or mouth sores
• Thinning hair
• Wounds that take longer to heal
• Increased weakness or disorientation
• Eyes sunken
• Skin dryer than usual

 

Physical observations in the area of lack of personal hygiene. Some signs to look for:

• Increased incontinence
• Hair unkempt
• Dirty clothes
• Increased body odor

 

Mental observations include things like change from usual manner. Some things to look for:

• Depressed
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Excessive crying
• Irrational thoughts
• Increased confusion and or forgetfulness
• Substance abuse
• Talks about suicide
• Afraid of being alone

 

Environmental observations include things like safety hazards. Some things to look for:

• Changes in ?usual? maintenance of home
• Piles of dirty dishes, clothing, trash
• Unsafe storage of food, outdated food

 

Your elder may also be exhibiting other signs involving suspicious activities involving themselves or their affairs. Some things to consider:

• Missing property
• Recent new acquaintances, particularly those who take up residence
• Changes on bank accounts, legal documents
• A power of attorney executed even though they are confused
• Suddenly having utilities disconnected
• Lack of amenities when they can afford them
• Unaware of, or does not understand, recent completed financial transactions
• Being isolated by others
• Concerned or confused about ?missing funds? in their accounts
• Fearful they will be evicted, or institutionalized if money is not given to friend or family.

This information was adapted from an email circulated by LivHome.

If your elderly loved one is in need of assistance based on your observations, please seek the advice of a professional where appropriate. It could be talking to the elder's doctor, their attorney, Adult Protective Services or a geriatric care manager. You may get no where with the doctor without a healthcare directive giving you authorization, but at least you can try to investigate. Your last resort may also be your best resort, and that is seeking the assistance in a legal manner through the court system.

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Estate Planning, Probate and Trusts involve complex areas of law. Individual circumstances must be considered before any advice can be given.  The general information above is not to be construed as legal advice, which can only be given after consideration of the unique facts of each matter. Please seek the advice or counsel of your attorney, financial advisor or CPA as it may be appropriate.

Full post as published by Estate Planning Practice Blog on December 10, 2008 (boomark / email).