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over the tub to step in? Is the laundry room
in the basement? Is it possible they had a fall
and didn’t tell you? Do you notice bruises or
bandages? Or is it possible they ran out of
laundry soap because it’s just too difficult to
get to the store. Sunday of church and now Dad doesn’t have
his license, their social circle could even be
nonexistent. If you notice Dad is isolating
himself, pay attention! Isolation can lead to
depression, poor eating habits, weakness,
dehydration or other serious illnesses or falls.
Are they taking their medications properly?
Do they take their medications first thing
in the morning? How do they remember
to take their mid-day and evening doses?
Is someone helping them organize their
medications? Do you notice a change in temperament or
memory?
At first you may assume that it’s a sign
of dementia, and perhaps it is. However,
there are so many other things it could be.
Is Mom drinking enough fluids? Perhaps
it’s dehydration. Is she frequently using the
bathroom? Perhaps it’s a bladder or urinary
tract infection. Changes in memory, abilities,
or temperament could be one or more of a
million different things! With questions like
these, there is only one answer. Get to know
Mom’s doctor! If you can’t go to the doctor
with her, make sure someone does. And it
doesn’t hurt to call the office ahead of time
and have a note put in Mom’s chart about
what you are seeing. Ask for a call from the
Is Mom or Dad sitting in a chair all day
watching television?
Instead of harping on Mom or Dad,
ask yourself why. Could it be a sign of
depression, or a mobility issue? Or, do you
think that Mom really does just like Judge
Judy and Wheel of Fortune that much?
Maybe all the neighbors moved out of
town to be closer to their own children, or
passed away. If your parents never missed a
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