“I’m just having a senior moment” – most of us have heard mom or dad make that joke occasionally. But when these moments become more frequent or more serious, it may be time to take a second look. Dad forgetting to take in the newspaper, for example, is most likely age-appropriate and not a huge cause for concern. But walking into Dad’s house to piles of unopened mail and overflowing garbage should raise a red flag. More chronic signs of isolation or forgetfulness could mean it’s time to consider transitioning your parent out of their private home and into a more managed senior living situation. If you’re wondering where mom or dad stands, here are some questions to ask:
- Is Mom seeing people regularly – friends, neighbors, people from her church or senior center?
- Does her home look properly maintained and cared for, or is it in need of serious repair?
- Is her home safe in all seasons, with shoveled walkways, stair railings, sufficient insolation?
- Is Dad taking her medications properly and on the right schedule?
- Open the fridge; is it cluttered with old or expired food?
- Is Mom paying her bills on time, and keeping up with important correspondence?
- Is Dad able to still cook for himself or arrange for healthy meal delivery?
- Are Mom’s clothes laundered and in good condition?
- Is her bathroom set up so that she’s able to bathe regularly and safely, and maintain proper physical hygiene?
- Is Dad still able to navigate his home without injury or falls?
If two or more of these are an issue, it’s most likely time to start investigating local senior living options. While this task can be daunting, there are lots of wonderful online resources to get you started. We’ve also written a lot on the topic as well; click here for an overview of the different types of senior living.
Or, if you would like to speak directly to an advisor, click here to come and see us for a consultation