Trip home for holidays may reveal parents’ decline

For some adult children, a return home to visit parents for the holidays can bring big surprises.

Aging parents might have lost weight since the last visit months ago. Their home or apartment might be a mess. Bills might be unpaid.

Some adult children come home just once a year. Sometimes they are stunned by what they see, said Dee Wilson, division director of case management for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

“They want their parents to be like they always (were),” she said.

Addressing any age-related problems early will increase the chances that an older parent can continue to live independently.

Warning signs that a parent needs help:

Neglected hygiene — wearing dirty clothes, body odor, neglected nails and teeth.

Poor eating habits resulting in decreased weight or missed meals.

Home is unusually messy.

Loss of bowel or bladder control.

Prescriptions medications have been skipped or are not being taken.

Parent seems confused or depressed.

Mail has been unopened and bills unpaid.

Parent has dropped hobbies or friends.

Pets are not being cared for.

What can you do?

Make an appointment with a health care professional who is trained in evaluating the medical and emotional needs of the elderly. That could be a physician, home care professional, nurse or social worker.

Comprehensive assessment should include the parent’s mental and physical health and living space. Assessment will determine what assistance is needed or what preventative steps must be taken. Recommendations could include medication, home health care, home safety modifications and medical or mental treatment.

Check local programs such as Meals on Wheels.

Involve the parent in any decisions.

Discuss how any assistance or treatment will be paid for.

Resources

See Omaha.com for links to more information.

Contact the writer:

444-1122, michael.oconnor@owh.com

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