Dallas County Living Well Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 27

Top 10 Signs Your Loved
One May Need to Move
By Mary Kristen Giles

Y

ou notice that your loved one is losing
weight
Weight loss can be a sign of illness, malnutrition, depression, or the decreasing ability
to cook.
Your loved one falls frequently
Falls can be an indication of a need for medications to be
regulated, a need for physical therapy due to muscle weakness, ear infection, need for assisted mobility devices (walker or cane), or obstacles in the home that are hazardous.
You notice that your loved one’s hygiene is lacking
As some of our loved ones age we may notice that they are
not showering as often. There can be many reasons for this,
such as physical inability to do so on their own, the fear of
falling in the shower, urinary tract infection, depression or
the need for medication management.
Your loved one is not getting the in-home care
that they need
If your loved one has someone coming in to assist them
but they seem to need more than what is provided, a change
may be needed. If you are using a sitter service but there is
a need for more medical type help, you may need a home
health company instead. If this adjustment isn’t helpful, a
move may be needed.
Your loved one used to be active but now is reclusive
This is often the case when someone lives alone. A sudden change in their interest in things that they used to enjoy
may be an indicator of depression. Sometimes this can be
solved by encouraging them to get out and meet people they
have things in common with at a senior center or church.
If these options are not working it may be time for them to
move to a senior community. In a community setting socialization becomes easier.
Your loved one recently lost a spouse or someone close to
them and you fear that they will not be able to function on
their own
A decline in health and the ability to get through daily
activities are common after the death of someone they are
close to. Like anyone else in that situation, their emotions
are high and their morale is low. Starting fresh, making new
friends, and staying busy can help. These things help them
remember that there is still happiness ahead in spite of the
loss they are feeling.
You and/or other family lives far away from them and

you feel they are not safe at home alone
Family tends to worry about each other when they live far
away, especially when a senior is involved and they are living alone. Thoughts of them ha ٥