Important Questions to Ask Senior Loved Ones This Holiday Season

It has been quite some time since you’ve had the opportunity for a nice, long visit with Mom. Now that the holiday season is here, you’ll have some quality time to catch up. Of course you will want to fully enjoy this time with each other, but it’s also the best time to determine how she is really doing, and if you can detect any changes in her health that perhaps have gone undiscovered through phone calls and FaceTime.

To help you think through areas of possible concern to evaluate, our experts in home health care in Battle Creek, MI and the nearby areas have provided a list of important questions to ask senior loved ones. You may wish to ask some of these questions to the senior directly, while others may be answered by noticing the home environment and the person herself.

Physical/Mental Health

• Is she eating more or less than usual?
• Is she spending time with friends?
• Does she seem happy and content?
• Does the senior seem to be moving more slowly and cautiously?
• Do you notice any bruises or other injuries that could indicate a fall?
• Does she seem short of breath?
• Has she gained or lost weight?
• Is she stumbling or holding onto furniture or the wall to get around?
• Is she having trouble falling or staying asleep?
• Is she actively engaged in enjoyable activities?

Cognitive Health

• Is she struggling to remember the names of familiar people or objects?
• Are you noticing any unusual behaviors?
• Are there pieces of mail and bills that have not been opened?
• Is she misplacing items, only to find them in unexpected places, such as the car keys in the refrigerator?
• Is she repeating questions or statements in conversations?
• Does the senior seem more forgetful or confused than usual?

Elder/Financial Abuse

• Has she provided anyone with personal information over the phone or internet?
• Has she cosigned for a loan for anyone?
• Are there any changes in her banking activity?
• Does the senior seem more timid or anxious than usual?
• Does she suddenly have a new “friendship” with someone whose motives may be questionable?
• Is she communicating with strangers online?

Home Maintenance

• Is the yard maintained?
• Is the home cleaned to the senior’s typical standards?
• Are the bed linens being changed regularly?
• Are there any hazards you’re noticing, such as scorch marks on pans or the countertop that could indicate inattention to cooking?
• Is there clutter in the home that could pose a fall risk?
• Is the laundry clean and put away?

If you are in any way concerned about a senior’s safety or wellbeing, no matter how small, home care can help. Contact Home Sweet Home In-Home Care’s experts in home health care in Battle Creek, MI and the surrounding areas for more information.