Need. At some stage we all have needs. In fact if you think seriously about it, we have needs ALL of the time.
That got me thinking. Aging brings with it all sorts of changes - some we like and some we don't like at all. However, that doesn't take away the fact that while we have needs which may increase as we age, there are signs that can help our families recognise the CHANGES in our needs.
If you feel that your family needs to be made more aware of this sort of thing, then why not casually suggest that they keep "informed" by regularly reading this blog. (Now that's what is called self-promotion!).
However, while dealing with some of the serious sides of aging, let's look at it as an exercise in awareness.
According to one of Australia's biggest networks of home and nursing care they have found subtle warning signs and I set these out hereunder for you to consider, and for your family to consider. Changes can be very gradual and so can be be missed.
Changes in the appearance of the home or the person as well as behaviour are important to notice. While older people often put the subtle changes down to "aging", it is important that small changes be acknowledged - the fine line between managing and not managing may be just that - a fine line, but it is important that it is not overlooked.
"Covering up" (making excuses) is also a key issue because older people are fearful or anxious about the consequences. They are concerned with what will happen in the future, where they will live and who will take care of them, so they often don't tell their families what is really going on.
So here's a list of signs that assistance might be needed:
* Condition of the house changes. Things not attended to as they once were, such as overgrown lawns, piles of newspapers around the house, or dirty dishes. These may well be as a result of a person not feeling well, and they would be done as soon as the person is "back on their feet', but if these conditions continue, then the family should take note.
* The aging person appears depressed and/or lethargic. If the person has always been very optimistic and suddenly becomes pessimistic and doesn't seem to care about things or themselves, then assistance might be needed.
* Apparent loss of memory or constant sense of confusion. This can happen to anyone, even a young person, but for continued problems, then help is needed.
* Personality changes - quiet, withdrawn, depressed, irritable and angry.
* Less contact with the outside world.
* Changes in appearance - weight, skin, hair, clothes.
* Loss of interest in hobbies.
* Deteriorating hygiene - clothes grubby or stained.
* Extreme clutter or hoarding (this may well be a long time habit or trait, but if taken to extremes, then something should be done to assist).
* Loss of appetite or interest in food - fresh food not being purchased and meals not being prepared. Food going "off" in the frig.
There are a number of networks and home-care facilities available that will assist the older person to grapple with these changes, so much so that their previous interest in life and outside activities may return, allowing them the dignity to continue living in their own home. With many of the stresses of home maintenance and the help with laundry washing and regular house cleaning, the older person can enjoy their older years with as much enthusiasm as when younger.
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