A good opportunity to recognize changes': Holidays a time to check in with elderly relatives

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SENIORS HELPING SENIORS PITTSBURGH

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Seniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern PA

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Jan 21, 2025

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Alzheimer's remains the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older.
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'A good opportunity to recognize changes': Holidays a time to check in with elderly relatives

Stay alert for mind, health changes in seniors this holiday season
 
Photo of Roberta Burkhart
Roberta Burkhart
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
[email protected]
 
Dec 25, 2024
 
5:00 AM
2

Holiday get-togethers offer ample opportunities to create cherished moments with loved ones, but they can also reveal subtle clues about changes in older relatives’ mental and physical health.

While sharing meals and traditions with seniors, it’s worth paying attention to more than just their recollections from the past, as small signs of cognitive decline may surface in the present.

Holiday gatherings present a unique chance for family members to check in on their aging friends and relatives, said C.J. Girod, president of Seniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern Pa. 

“It’s a good opportunity to recognize changes. If you're around someone a lot, you might not recognize subtle changes that are happening as much as someone who hasn’t seen mom or dad for a couple months,” Mr. Girod said.

Alzheimer's disease afflicts an estimated 6.7 million Americans, and that number is only growing, according to the National Institutes of Health. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure the disease. Alzheimer's remains the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older.

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 11.9% of Allegheny County residents age 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease, according to 2023 data. That compares to 11.5% statewide, with Allegheny ranking fourth highest of Pa.’s 67 counties, with only Philadelphia (15%), Delaware (12.3%) and Montour (12.2%) with higher rates. Locally, it means about 28,500 people have Alzheimer's in Allegheny County.

Talk it out

Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but it also sharpens the eye.

These infrequent reunions can reveal changes in our elderly loved ones — if you know how to look for the signs, said Theresa Lalak, a community liaison and certified dementia practitioner at Seniors Helping Seniors. The Mt. Lebanon-based licensed home care agency pairs elderly clients who need household and personal care assistance with a staff of active seniors who not only can offer help but also empathize and share a “golden years” point of view.

Sometimes, if you’re just reminiscing about the past, the conversation may stay light enough so as not to reveal any potential warning signs of decline. Instead, delve deeper and “ask questions to make sure that their cognitive abilities are the same,” Ms. Lalak said.

”For instance, are they managing finances OK, or are they managing their household OK? And then do that extra step of double-checking if you can. The best example is with food: If you’re in their home, look to see that they have food in their cabinets, there’s not expired food, that their dishes are clean in the cabinets and things are in order.”

If something seems amiss — especially concerning food, hygiene and medications — then warning bells should start ringing in your head.

Ask yourself, Ms. Lalak advised, questions including: “Are they more confused? What is their personal hygiene? Do they look like they have clean clothes on? Do they smell good? They’re freshly showered? If you’re in their home, is their home the same way it used to be? Is it just as decluttered and organized? Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator?” The goal, she said, is to home in on any changes. 

Following the 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia guidelines from the Alzheimer's Association can help you decide if it’s time to step in.

“Assess the situation. So have your eyes and ears working, and if there’s other family members there as well, discussing with them if they have noticed anything and take action before there's an emergency situation or crisis that arises,” Mr. Girod said. Oftentimes, he noted, clients come to Seniors Helping Seniors “already in crisis mode, and need assistance immediately.”

Frequently, family members are in a situation where they need to take immediate action — but they’ve never had a sit-down conversation with their elderly relatives to discuss what kind of options they are comfortable with or desire, Mr. Girod said.

Ms. Lalak agreed: “That’s a difficult conversion, but you do need to initiate it so that, as the person needs more assistance, you will know how best to help them and what they would like. Don’t wait until the person is very sick or there’s a crisis.” Not getting such information ahead of  time, she said, means “you’re not prepared at an emotional time.”

Keep in mind that initiating these types of conversations can be hard on both sides, and embarrassment, frustration and other emotions can arise.

“If you notice that, for example, someone has a change in hygiene, instead of saying, ‘Hey grandma, when is the last time you showered?’ You should come from a place of love and know that, over time, people are going to need some help.” A better approach would be to offer help and come “from a place of love. Ms. Lalak suggested something along the lines of, “Grandma, can I help you shower, “can I help you with your laundry” or  “how can I get help to you in the home?”

Don’t assume the worst

If you are noticing significant changes in behavior, keep in mind that there are many reasons it could be happening.

“It is important to just not say, “Oh, the person has Alzheimer's or dementia” if they’re forgetful or if things are not going well. There are many things that can cause some changes in your cognitive abilities: If the medications aren't being taken correctly, if there’s a reaction, if there’s a new disease, also if a person isn’t eating properly and they have very poor nutrition or if they aren’t sleeping well,” Ms. Lalak said. “All of those things can cause some cognitive impairment that could be temporary and not necessarily the permanence of Alzheimer's or dementia.”

One of the simplest ways to help a relative is by organizing their medications into a pillbox or into prepackaged pharmacy packs, Mr. Girod said. This organization not only helps to remind the senior to take their medication at the appropriate times, but it’s also a great clue for caregivers to know if there have been missed doses.

“It’s easy to see if they’ve missed a day,” he said.

Additionally, helping seniors to keep an updated list of all their medications can be an essential part of a successful health care plan. They should be taking that list to every regular checkup and specialist appointment and sharing it with all of their doctors. When a patient has multiple specialists, there’s no guarantee that the health care team is sharing medication information.

Recognizing these early indicators during holiday gatherings can be the first step toward ensuring your loved ones receive the care they need.

There are a variety of services available to area seniors, from transportation and community centers to nursing home alternatives and caregiver support. To find services in their area, search for “Agency on Aging” within their county of residence. 

First Published: December 25, 2024, 5:00 a.m.
Updated: December 25, 2024, 10:09 p.m.

Roberta Burkhart is a Post-Gazette health and wellness reporter. A Penn State graduate, she previously covered breaking news, lifestyles and arts & entertainment in Pittsburgh, Williamsport, and Morristown, N.J.
  [email protected]
  @njbertie


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Seniors Helping Seniors Western PA View Details

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As needs evolve, services can be adjusted to ensure the right balance of support and independence.Across Harmony, Zelienople, Cranberry Township, Butler, Mars, Franklin Park, Sewickley, Beaver Valley, Wexford, and surrounding Western PA communities, Seniors Helping Seniors has earned a reputation for compassionate service and meaningful relationships. Their caregivers are not only reliable helpers but also trusted companions who understand the importance of independence, dignity, and connection for older adults.For seniors and caregivers exploring resources for aging in place in Butler County, Beaver County, Armstrong County, Allegheny County, or northern Westmoreland County, Seniors Helping Seniors provides a trusted solution. By combining practical assistance with genuine companionship, they help older adults maintain their lifestyle while receiving the support they need.Service Area: Seniors Helping Seniors Western PA proudly serves seniors and families throughout Harmony, Zelienople, Cranberry Township, Butler, Mars, Franklin Park, Sewickley, Beaver Valley, Wexford, and surrounding Western PA communities in Butler County, Beaver County, Armstrong County, Northwestern and Northeaster Allegheny County, and Northern Westmoreland County.Families often ask when it may be time to consider in-home care for an aging parent. Signs may include difficulty managing household tasks, missed medications, mobility challenges, increased fall risk, or feelings of loneliness and isolation. Companion care and non-medical home care services like those offered by Seniors Helping Seniors can provide valuable support while allowing older adults to remain independent in the familiar comfort of their own home.For families throughout Western Pennsylvania seeking dependable in-home senior care and caregiver support, Seniors Helping Seniors Western Pennsylvania offers a compassionate partnership that helps older adults live safely, comfortably, and confidently at home.

Seniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern PA View Details

Seniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern PA

Non-Medical

Seniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern PA is a unique in-home care service provider that offers a wide range of assistance to older adults, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. This organization stands out by employing active seniors as caregivers, creating a peer-to-peer support system that fosters meaningful connections and understanding.Comprehensive In-Home Care ServicesSeniors Helping Seniors provides a diverse array of services tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. These services are designed to support seniors in various aspects of their daily lives, ensuring they can age in place with dignity and comfort.Companionship and SocializationOne of the core offerings of Seniors Helping Seniors is companionship. Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact the well-being of older adults, and this service addresses that crucial need. Caregivers provide friendly conversation, engage in shared hobbies, and offer emotional support, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and depression.Personal Care AssistanceFor seniors who need help with activities of daily living, Seniors Helping Seniors offers personal care services. This includes assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. The caregivers are trained to provide these services with respect and dignity, ensuring the client's comfort and maintaining their sense of independence.Memory, Dementia, and Alzheimer's CareSpecialized care is available for seniors living with memory-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Caregivers are trained to provide appropriate support, engage in memory-enhancing activities, and ensure a safe environment for these clients.Respite CareSeniors Helping Seniors recognizes the importance of supporting family caregivers. Their respite care services allow primary caregivers to take a break, attend to personal matters, or simply recharge, knowing their loved one is in capable hands.Daily Living SupportMeal PreparationProper nutrition is crucial for seniors' health and well-being. Caregivers can assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing nutritious meals that cater to the client's dietary needs and preferences.Light HousekeepingMaintaining a clean and organized living space contributes to a senior's overall quality of life. Seniors Helping Seniors offers light housekeeping services, including dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and keeping living areas tidy.Medication RemindersAdhering to medication schedules is vital for managing health conditions. Caregivers can provide timely reminders and assist with organizing medications to ensure proper dosage and timing.Transportation and ErrandsSeniors Helping Seniors helps clients maintain their independence by offering transportation services. This includes rides to medical appointments, social engagements, and assistance with running errands such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.Specialized ServicesLong-Distance Check-InsFor families who live far from their senior loved ones, Seniors Helping Seniors offers long-distance check-in services. This provides peace of mind, knowing that someone is regularly visiting and reporting on their loved one's well-being.Safety and Fall PreventionCaregivers are trained to assess the home environment for potential hazards and implement safety measures to prevent falls and accidents. This service is crucial in maintaining the client's safety and independence at home.Light Handyman ServicesMinor home repairs and maintenance tasks can be challenging for seniors. Seniors Helping Seniors offers light handyman services to address these needs, ensuring the client's living environment remains safe and comfortable.Yard WorkMaintaining outdoor spaces can be physically demanding for seniors. Caregivers can assist with basic yard work, helping to keep the exterior of the home tidy and manageable.Pet CareFor seniors who have beloved pets, Seniors Helping Seniors can provide assistance with pet care tasks such as feeding, walking, and grooming, allowing clients to continue enjoying the companionship of their furry friends.Veteran ServicesSeniors Helping Seniors recognizes the unique needs of senior veterans and offers specialized services to support them. This may include assistance with accessing veteran benefits, transportation to VA appointments, and companionship from caregivers who understand the veteran experience.The Seniors Helping Seniors AdvantageWhat sets Seniors Helping Seniors apart is their unique approach to caregiving. By employing active seniors as caregivers, they create a peer-to-peer support system that offers numerous benefits:Shared Life Experiences: Senior caregivers often have similar life experiences to their clients, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.Empathy and Compassion: Having faced similar challenges, senior caregivers can offer genuine empathy and compassion.Flexible Scheduling: Seniors Helping Seniors provides care on a schedule that meets the client's needs, including overnight care when necessaryAffordable Care: The organization strives to provide affordable, professional in-home care services, making quality care accessible to more seniorsDignity and Respect: All services are provided with the utmost respect for the client's dignity and independenceSeniors Helping Seniors of Southwestern PA offers a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life. By employing senior caregivers, they create a unique and empathetic care environment that benefits both clients and caregivers. From personal care and companionship to specialized services for veterans and those with memory-related conditions, we are committed to providing affordable, professional, and compassionate care that truly makes a difference in the lives of seniors.  Let's connect today!

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