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December 11, 2012 at 08:42 AM
Here we are in the middle of another holiday season.
Like most people, I enjoy spending the holidays in the company of family and friends, catching up on the year’s events and reliving old memories.
As you speak with clients this month, remind them how holiday visits can also be an important opportunity to check in on aging parents and older relatives with an eye toward their potential long-term care (LTC) needs.
Of course, there are a number of comprehensive tools and resources available to assess one’s LTC needs, but here are a few things to keep in mind before taking the next steps.
Day-to-day life
Evaluate how loved ones handle everyday tasks or activities of daily living. Are they struggling to get dressed or bathe without help? Are they able to lend a hand in the kitchen when preparing a holiday meal or feed themselves during dinner? If visiting a loved one’s home, be sure to also check how they get around the house – including up and down stairs – or if the home presents any safety issues.
Physical health
Simply asking, “How are you?” can start a conversation that sheds a little light on everything from daily issues to recent doctor visits that give a clearer picture their health. Also, see if they have noticeably lost weight (a sign they may not be eating well) and observe if they are maintaining their personal health and well-being.
