Look for the not so hidden signs

When families get together during festive seasons after a long period of separation, it often becomes apparent an aging loved one may need help.

Lonely senior man sitting at a dining table at Christmas.

In fact, January is often one of the busiest months for senior care organizations, largely due to an influx of phone calls after family members witness some troubling signs over the holidays. Last year, Home Instead Senior Care saw a 64 per cent jump in service inquiries from December to January. January is typically our highest volume month for inquiries.

While every aging experience is different, here are some common signs families may have noticed in their aging loved ones while they were visiting over the holidays.

• Driving Trouble: Have a look for dents or fender scrapes on your senior’s car. We all have an occasional driving incident but be aware one or several occasions could be a sign their driving skills are deteriorating.
• Forgetfulness: Has your loved one missed any appointments or forgotten important birthdays recently? Are they forgetting if or when they took their medication? These are important signs to be aware of if you suspect your senior loved one may need additional support.
• Housekeeping/Hygiene Issues: Changes in housekeeping or hygiene routine such as an unshaven face or unkempt hair, often occur because everyday tasks are getting too difficult or tiring for them to manage.
• Poor eating habits: Seniors who suddenly find themselves alone, or who have become lonely over time, can feel overwhelmed by cooking. When that starts to happen to an aging person, they tend not to eat properly. They might take in enough calories to get by, but they begin to suffer nutritionally, increase their cholesterol, and lower their vitamin intake.

January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada. Home Instead Senior Care in Victoria has well-trained senior care experts available who can speak further about the signs families may have noticed during the holidays and they can provide tips to families with aging loved ones. Call their office at 250-382-6565 or www.homeinstead.ca