Can you Pass the Peas, Please? and Other Questions to Ask Your Loved Ones

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SYNERGY HomeCare of Daphne

For more information about the author, click to view their website: SYNERGY Home Care of Daphne

Posted on

Dec 09, 2022

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Alabama - Gulf Coast

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The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re like me, I’m sure you’re looking forward to in-person celebrations and gatherings. This is something to be especially thankful for after two years of social distancing.

All this together time is great for re-connecting as well as getting up to speed with how your aging loved ones are faring. It’s also an opportunity to take note of any concerning physical or cognitive declines. 

Of course, our older family members might not come right out and tell us about any decline in health as they fear they may lose their independence. That’s why I recommend engaging them in casual conversation that takes into consideration their feelings.  

Here are five main areas to assess: 

  1. Activities of daily living. Can they pass the peas at the dinner table? I’m somewhat joking here, but if it appears that your loved one has lost a lot of strength or dexterity that makes a simple task difficult, there may be some physical decline. Other things to inquire about could be the last time they got their hair cut. Take note of their appearance: Are their clothes clean? Do they match? Are they bathing? If it appears that they have lost some weight, ask them what they have been eating lately. This can tell you if they are having trouble with food shopping or cooking. A noticeable loss of weight is a definite cause for concern, as it could indicate an underlying health condition.
  2. The home environment.  If you are visiting their home for the holidays, check to see if the home is more cluttered than usual. This could be a sign they are having trouble keeping up with housekeeping. You can also check the refrigerator and cabinets to get a sense of how well they are eating. Additionally, take a look at the expiration dates on the medicine bottles and appropriately discard any expired medications—prescription as well as over the counter ones. Throw away any expired food items, too. 
  3. Memory. A great way to assess memory is by engaging in a conversation about current events you know this family member would typically be following. It could be the weather, sports, entertainment or politics. If they don’t elaborate on their responses to your questions, they may be protecting themselves from being “found out” that they are experiencing some memory loss. You can also ask what they did earlier in the day or a few days ago to see if they are having trouble putting together a sequence of events. 
  4. Mobility. Take note of how they move about the house. Are they grabbing onto furniture to steady themselves? Do you notice any bruising which may indicate a recent fall? Go on a walk with them to see if they tire easily or seem unbalanced. In addition, look at their car for any dings or scratches.  
  5. Social engagements. Isolation is often a gateway to depression, which can negatively impact memory or activities of daily living. Ask about friends they are in touch with either in person or on the phone, as well as any regular activities or recent outings. Are there activities they have stopped doing? Are there things they wish they could do but don’t have a companion or a ride?
If you notice any concerning changes, it’s important to act now, before a crisis presents itself. Consult with your siblings and other family members to see if they have noticed similar behaviors. If so, the next step is to make an appointment with the loved one’s primary care physician to rule out any emergent health conditions.

The good news is that the growing desire to age in place means that more and more people are turning to in-home care for that extra assistance. Whether a loved one needs a companion to help them stay active, more personal care such as assistance showering, or full-time support for a chronic condition, SYNERGY Home Care can help. 

Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.

This article was submitted by SYNERGY Home Care of Daphne, Alabama.  You can reach them at 251-621-1900

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Non-Medical 1048 Stanton Road, Suite D, Daphne, Alabama, 36526

Welcome to SYNERGY HomeCare of Daphne Compassionate, Reliable, and Award-Winning Home CareCare That Moves You ForwardLife is always moving forward, and at SYNERGY HomeCare, we are committed to ensuring that you or your loved ones can move forward confidently, comfortably, and with the care needed to thrive. Whether its personal assistance, companionship, live-in care, or end-of-life comfort, we provide the extra support that makes all the difference. Our compassionate caregivers are here to enhance independence, dignity, and well-being.Call us today to explore the home care solutions that best fit your needs: 251-621-1900Why Choose SYNERGY HomeCare?Award-Winning Home CareSYNERGY HomeCare has been nationally recognized for outstanding client care, earning top rankings from Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm. We are proud to set the standard in home care excellence.Flexible, Personalized CareOn Your TermsNo long-term contractsservices adapt to your changing needs.Available 24/7, from a few hours a day to full-time care.Caregivers matched based on personality, skills, and preferences.Immediate caregiver placement available based on your needs.Fully licensed, insured, and bonded caregivers for your peace of mind.Common Questions AnsweredCan I choose my caregiver and meet them in advance?Yes! We arrange meet-and-greet sessions so you feel comfortable with your caregiver. If you ever wish to change caregivers, we will accommodate your request until youre completely satisfied.Why should I choose SYNERGY HomeCare instead of hiring a private caregiver?Hiring privately makes you an employer, responsible for payroll taxes, insurance, and background checks. With SYNERGY HomeCare, we handle all of this for you, ensuring reliable coverage and peace of mindno missed shifts, no legal worries, just exceptional care.What services do you offer?We provide a comprehensive range of non-medical home care services, including:Personal Assistance (bathing, dressing, hygiene, mobility support)Companionship & Social EngagementAlzheimers & Dementia CareMeal Preparation & Feeding AssistanceMedication RemindersLight Housekeeping & LaundryErrands & Grocery ShoppingTransportation to AppointmentsExercise & Healthy Living SupportCare Coordination with Hospitals, Home Health, and Hospice24/7 Care & Family Respite SupportVeteransWe Honor Your Service with Exceptional Home CareAt SYNERGY HomeCare, we are honored to serve Veterans and their families. Many of our locations are VA-approved providers, making it easy to access home care benefits through the Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.How VA Benefits Can Help Cover Home CareIf you or your spouse need assistance with daily activities, memory care, or support for disability or illness, your VA benefits may help cover home care services. Eligible programs include:Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program Personal care services for eligible Veterans.Aid and Attendance Pension Additional financial assistance for Veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses.Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) Support for family caregivers, including respite care and stipends.Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) A self-directed care program for Veterans to choose their caregivers and manage their care.Let us help you navigate your VA benefits and access the home care services you deserve.Reliable, Flexible CareWhen You Need ItWhether you need companionship, assistance with daily tasks, or full-time care, SYNERGY HomeCare is here for you. We provide full support for fuller lives so you can live with dignity, independence, and confidence. Call us today for a FREE in-home assessment: 251-621-1900SYNERGY HomeCare Compassionate Care That Moves You Forward.