THE holidays are a good time for family caregivers returning to the North Shore to tune into the signs that an older family member or friend may need extra help to remain safe at home.
According to a written statement, it's easy for busy family caregivers to overlook the subtle signs that a senior loved one needs assistance, said Janet Hassell, of Home Instead Senior Care. But during the holidays, when many return to their childhood homes, the difference between their last visit and now can highlight those red flags.
Signs of potential trouble can be evident in a senior's home - such as spoiled food in the refrigerator or piles of unpaid bills - or personal indicators such as episodes of confusion or dirty and unkempt clothing, said Hassell, in the statement.
To learn more abut the signs, community members are encouraged to register for Home for the Holidays, a free hour-long web conference being presented on Dec. 5.
Home for the Holidays will be moderated by Mary Alexander, Home Instead's director of strategic alliances. She's a family caregiver herself and a certified senior advisor. It will be hosted by the American Society on Aging and co-sponsored by the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
The web conference will feature information about countering senior resistance to assistance as well as resources that can help family caregivers and senior care professionals. To register for the web conference or for more information, visit www.caregiverstress.com/ familyeducation.
10 SIGNS THAT A SENIOR MIGHT NEED MORE HELP AT HOME
1. A change in appearance or condition of the home
2. Clutter
3. Dirty or unkempt clothing
4. Unpaid bills
5. Fresh food replaced with junk food
6. Spoiled food in the fridge or freezer
7. Bugs or rodents in the home
8. Confusion
9. Unfilled prescriptions
10. Spills on floors and countertops
- www.caregiverstress.com/ familyeducation
