10 Considerations - Informal Assessment Tool
While we hope our loved ones live long, healthy, and prosperous lives, the reality is many people may require assistance or care as a result of aging or illness. Families should assess the functional abilities of their loved ones on a regular basis to determine if an aging parent, relative or friend may be at risk or need help.
It is important to realize that an aging parent or ill spouse may not proactively ask for help. Many people place a high value on their privacy and independence. Others may not wish to recognize and acknowledge their struggles, or they simply don't want to be a burden. Often it is up to the adult children to recognize a parent’s limitations and offer assistance and encouragement.
Many families do not know what to assess in order to identify current or potential concerns. Review the following 10 Considerations to help you determine if it might be time to get more involved and help a loved one address challenges he or she may be facing.
10 CONSIDERATIONS
- MEDICAL CONDITION – Has your loved one been diagnosed with a disease, illness or other medical condition that could impact his or her ability to function in daily life?
- DRIVING – If your loved one drives, is there reason to believe he or she poses an above-average risk for being involved in an accident? How is your loved one’s vision, reflexes and ability to respond in an unexpected situation?
- FOOD / NUTRITION – Is your loved one eating balanced meals? Is his or her weight stable? Does he or she have a reasonable variety of food in the refrigerator with future expiration dates?
- HYGIENE – Does it appear your loved one is bathing and brushing his or her teeth regularly? How is his or her overall appearance, grooming and ability to match clothing compared to prior years? Are the bed linens and towels fresh? Does the soap in the bathroom appear have been used recently?
- BEHAVIOR – Does your loved one seem anxious or irritable? Does being away from home make him or her uncomfortable? Does he or she seem depressed? Is there inconsistency in the things he or she says? Does your loved one remember names, places and current events?
- DAILY TASKS – Are basic tasks, such as getting ready to go out, preparing a meal or shopping, overly challenging, frustrating or time-consuming for your loved one? Does the living space appear clean? Is there concern about hoarding?
- MEDICATION – Can your loved one manage his or her medications properly including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Does your loved one understand why he or she is taking the medications? Are prescriptions getting refilled in a timely fashion?
- FINANCES – Does it appear that your loved one is capable of making sound financial decisions? Is he or she able to manage personal affairs and finances? Does he or she have a reasonable amount of cash on hand? Have there been any unusual purchases or suspicious expenses or investments?
- MAIL – Is the mail stacking up? Is there reason to suspect any past due or delinquency notices? Does your loved one appear to be a target for solicitation and sweepstakes offers?
- SAFETY – Is your loved one careful about turning off appliances (e.g. stove, coffee pot)? Does he or she ever carelessly leave candles or cigarettes burning? Are sharp objects properly put away? Are the stairs and hallways unobstructed? Are the doors and windows locked? Is he or she able to easily locate the keys? Is there any reason to believe someone is trying to control or take advantage of him or her?
Whenever possible, try to observe your loved ones in a variety of situations. Ideally, this evaluation should be informal so as not to cause alarm or appear disrespectful. Trust your instincts. If you have concern with one or more of the 10 considerations, it may be time to explore ways to help in a proactive fashion rather than waiting to react.
Talk to your loved one in a casual and non-threatening way. Ideally, your conversations should reflect a partnership and demonstrate a desire and willingness to respect your loved one’s wishes and address his or her struggles.
