Did Mom Seem Different This Thanksgiving?

Did the stuffing taste the same this year?  Perhaps instead of sage there was cinnamon in it.  These types of things happen from time to time and generally are nothing to worry about unless you really despise cinnamon stuffing.  There are a few other things we want you to be aware of, please read the rest of this article for a few more important things to check out beyond the food.

 Aging. It’s difficult to see—especially in those you love. What are the signs of normal aging . . . of Alzheimer’s and other dementia?  Can your parents or loved ones care for themselves without help? What kind of help is best? Where can you go to get it? How can you tell if your loved ones need help (even when they insist they don’t)? And even more importantly, how can you talk to them about it?
Here are some indicators to watch for:
Weight loss
Are your loved ones eating? Missing meals can be a sign of depression or dementia.  The most common reason, however, is that shopping for and preparing meals might just be too much for them to handle.
 
Poor hygiene
Does your loved one look disheveled? Is he or she wearing dirty clothes, skipping baths? Sometimes fear of falling in the tub or shower can cause them to neglect their personal hygiene.
 
Decline in home appearance
What about their home? Are there piles of clutter? Dirty dishes, lots of laundry, unemptied trash, or spoiled food everywhere? If your former “neat-nik” loved one is now living in clutter this is cause for concern.
 
Forgetfulness
Is your loved one often confused?  Over drawing bank accounts, missing bill payments? Do you often need to “redirect” them.  This kind of cognitive decline can be
• Problems with medication management
• Mood swings
 
If you find yourself needing help with an aging loved one, Aurora on France can help.
• Transitional Care Units
• Assisted Living 
• Memory Care
 
Want to get the conversation started? Get a FREE copy of
the book “Mom, Dad...Can We Talk?” visit go.fairview.org/book