Dallas County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 27

TOP 10 ONE MAY NEED TO MOVE
SIGNS
YOUR LOVED
By Mary Kristen Giles
YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR
LOVED ONE IS LOSING WEIGHT

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.

YOUR LOVED ONE FALLS FREQUENTLY

YOU AND/OR OTHER FAMILY LIVES
FAR AWAY FROM THEM AND YOU FEEL
THEY ARE NOT SAFE AT HOME ALONE

Weight loss can be a sign of illness, malnutrition, depression, or the decreasing ability to cook.
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

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 having
a fall, a fire, a break in, a natural disaster, or a sudden medical problem may be on your mind. How
long would it take for you to get to them in their time
of need? Moving a family member closer to you or
moving them to a community where you know they
will not have to deal with any of these issues all alone
may be necessary for your own peace of mind.

YOUR LOVED ONE NEEDS A
SHORT-TERM CARE (RESPITE STAY)
FOR CONTINUED RECOVERY
AFTER A HOSPITAL OR REHAB STAY

Making a move doesn’t always have to be permanent. Several places offer temporary stays. This
comes in handy when someone has had a surgery
and needs a little bit more time to recover before
they go back to their daily cooking and cleaning in
their own home. This type of stay is also helpful if your
loved one is nervous about a move and would like
to try it out first.

YOUR LOVED ONE CANNOT
OR DOESN’T DESIRE TO MAINTAIN
THEIR HOME ANY LONGER

Homes are a big upkeep. Maintaining lawns, pools
and home repairs is tiresome. Senior communities
have maintenance teams to do repairs and even
things like changing light bulbs.

YOUR LOVED ONE HAS
MENTIONED MAKING A MOVE

The BEST time to make a move is when your loved
one brings it up! Comments like, “This house is getting too big,” “I’m so tired of keeping up this yard,”
or “I sure wish I knew more people who like to play
bridge.” These are all great openings to having that
conversation. People change their minds from day
to day; so whenever they express that, they are
open to the discussion, that IS the time to talk about
it.

Author Mary Kristen Giles is Director of Sales and Marketing at The Forum at Park Lane.
NORTH DALLAS Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2014

27