By Liz Seegert
Family gatherings during the holidays are an ideal time for adult children to assess the wellbeing of aging parents and other older relatives. This is especially important for those who may visit just a few times a year, since changes in mental or physical health and safety issues in the home may be more noticeable. Holiday visits are a good time to ensure that aging parents can still care for themselves.
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is also an optimal time for journalists to cover these issues. Media from Maine to Rochester to Chicago report annually on how to take advantage of family visits to look for signs that aging parents may need help. It is a story which bears repeating – because this year might just be the year of a significant change.
The need for a holiday health “check in” will only become more prevalent as the older population continues to increase. That age group is expected to more than double by 2030, according to the Administration on Aging. As of 2013 (the most recent available year), the population age 65 years or older was 44.7 million – about 14.1 percent of the U.S. population, or one in every seven Americans.
Caregivers – 65.7 million of them – make up 29 percent of the U.S. adult population who provide care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged. About 43.5 million people care for someone over age 50; nearly 15 million care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The National Council on Aging estimates that some 7 million adults provide care for an aging relative from a distance. Here are some areas to hit if you’re working on a “healthy aging checkup” story:
Health and wellness
- Take the opportunity to review a loved one’s prescription medications and any over-the-counter drugs they’re taking. Does the person appear frailer or thinner than the last time you visited? This may be due to numerous reasons, such as malnutrition, dementia or a serious illness.
- Do they know what each medication is for, and when to take them? Ask about any side effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, loss of appetite, or excessive sleepiness.
- Side effects of medications or drug-drug interactions mimic symptoms of cognitive decline. See this 2014 Institute of Medicine report and a recent blog post on cognitive aging and medication. Speak with their pharmacist or physician to make sure they’re aware of any issues.
- Is a loved one still active in the community or are they becoming more socially withdrawn? Isolation can lead to depression, loneliness and self-neglect, according to Jewish Family Services of Columbus, Ohio. Warning signs may include piles of dirty laundry, the house in need of a good cleaning, the person being unkempt or having poor personal hygiene. This could point to issues of cognitive decline or other problems.
- Can the person manage basic activities of daily living and independent activities of daily living? It may be time to consider outside help for chores or personal assistance.
- Speak with family members about roles and responsibilities. The Family Caregivers Alliance offers some advice.
- Are older parents having issues or noticeable changes with:
- incontinence
- sleep disturbances
- difficulty swallowing or chewing
- vision or hearing
- walking or gait
- osteoporosis
In and around the home
- Check for trip and fall hazards like dimly light stairs, loose rugs, or clutter. Clearing passageways can reduce risks. This blog post and tip sheet discuss how to localize angles on fall prevention.
- Is lighting bright enough, especially in hallways and bathrooms?
- Can the person safely manage the stairs? Would additional railing or a chair lift make it easier?
- Are there piles of bills left unpaid? Or days’ worth of mail unopened?
- Are everyday items within easy reach in the kitchen? Are there ways to minimize the need to use a stepstool?
- Are counters at a comfortable height? Are there grab rails in the bathroom? Some simple home modifications can make “aging in place” easier and safer.
If older relatives are still driving, go for a ride and assess their ability behind the wheel. Does their reaction time seem slow? Are they having difficulty seeing signs, negotiating traffic or finding their way to familiar places? As this USA Today storypoints out, it may be time to start talking about limiting driving or hanging up the keys.
Resources for reporters
- Wall Street Journal article discussing whether it’s time for elder care services.
- Checklist from Jewish Family Services on whether it is time for in-home care services.
- Caregivers’ Guide to Medications and Aging from the Family Caregivers Alliance.
- Mayo Clinic guide for caregivers of aging parents.
- Healthy Aging Facts from the National Council on Aging.
- Holiday Health Check from the University of Wisconsin School of Public Health.
- PBS report on caring for aging parents from a distance.
- Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 (executive summary) from AARP.
