7 Signs of Decline to Watch for With Your Aging Parents

If you plan to see your aging relatives this season, one of the most loving things you can do for them, is to do a thorough check to make sure they are still able to appropriately care for themselves.

Why? Because if they are at any risk of developing any type of dementia or other chronic diseases common in the elderly, catching it early is essential to a good prognosis.

For example, before getting a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a patient will often have several years of Mild Cognitive Impairment, which may or may not progress to Alzheimer’s Disease. After 18 years of research in Alzheimer’s disease, the one thing that I consistently saw, was that for interventions in the Western medical sciences, chances of recovery, or halting the progression of dementia were only possible for those at the Mild Cognitive Impairment stage.   Alzheimer’s Disease is extremely costly and an incredible emotional and physical burden to the family, so catching and preventing any further decline can literally prevent a family from emotional and financial bankruptcy!

A colleague of mine, Frank Simons, who is an Elder Care Advisor recently gave us a wonderful list of things we should look out for during the holidays, to keep our loved ones healthy and cared for.

He brought up an excellent point. If we are dropping in on our elderly relatives who we haven’t seen for awhile, we will be able to see changes that someone who sees them regularly can easily miss. Why? Because the change we will see will be much more dramatic.   Contrast this with a spouse or sibling who sees their parents regularly. Small changes are easier to dismiss.   Also, it can be much harder to be objective when you are too close to someone. So, if you see things that alarm you about your aging parents that you feel someone else closer should have seen, realize that that you have the gift of distance that allows you to see how much change has happened, and try to let go of any anger or judgments you might have about the situation.  

If you on the other hand see your aging parents regularly, you might be bothered by a sibling who comes flying in from afar, and points out things you may not have noticed.  Note that if you feel you are the family expert with regards to mom or dad, it can make you less open to outside suggestions.   Resist any temptation to be defensive. Remember that they have the gift of seeing things from a distance, and that it provides them with fresh eyes that are worth considering.   For the sake of your aging relatives and entire family, concentrate on fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and compassion for everyone, including yourself!

Here is a list of things to keep an eye on.

1. Repetitive conversations & stories.
   The most important thing is to look for a change. In other words, if they are repeating stories or conversations more than they have in the past, or they seem to have forgotten discussions you’ve had, then take notes of what you observe and the changes you see.

2.  Safety concerns:
Are they leaving doors unlocked, or burners on the stove?

3.  Unusual confusion & behavior
If they are frequently loosing their keys, or other items, or leaving important things at home, or if they get lost more frequently, take note.

Note changes in their ability to understand you or if they seem more easily confused.   Note if they seem more impulsive or if they are demonstrating poor judgment.

4.  Note any changes in their cleanliness at home or personal hygiene.

5.  Take a look at their medicine cabinet.  
Try to make sure they are taking exactly what they should be taking, and not too much or too little.

6.  Note any changes in mood or how they respond emotionally.
Ask them about what they do to stay physically active and socially engaged in their community. Note any changes.

7.   Note any physical changes you see.  
Check to see if they look considerably more frail, or if they seem to be compensating for an injury, or if they look worn out.

So if you see these changes, what should you do?

1. Share your concerns with family, and trusted friends.
2. Seek medical advice:
   • Take your loved one to see a doctor for diagnosis of any possible issues.
   • Assess and address underlying causes with Dr. Tina EnerJoy.
3. Seek the professional advice of an Elder Care Consultant like Frank Simons.

Frank and his wife Juli, can help you navigate through care of your aging parents. They will help guide you in issues with regards to power of attorney, and the paperwork required for medical, financial and legal issues. If your parents need to move to a community with greater options for care, they have a wide knowledge of the facilities in the Puget Sound Region and will help you find the ideal fit for your loved one.

Are your aging parents increasingly confused? Are they showing more signs of depression, brain fog or memory loss?   If you would like to directly address and release the underlying causes, give me a call at 1855 ENERJOY for a complimentary consultation.

Need help managing the care of your loved one?

Frank Simons co-owns Senior Care Consultants with his wife Juli. He has held both lay and pastoral roles in several churches in the past and is active with his Juli in their church. Prior to that, he had been a corporate trainer for nearly twenty years. Frank wanted to combine his joy for ministry and his love of teaching with his passion to serve others in an entrepreneurial adventure with Juli. A heart for those we serve and educating them on the best options available are crucial components to elder care advising, which is why Frank’s expertise is invaluable.
Contact Frank at: 206-228-1678 or via email at: fsimons@seniorcareconsult.com

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