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Changes We Shouldn't Overlook

What signs indicate our elderly relative may be struggling with a condition? I’m no doctor, but I did ask my friend Megan, a Nurse Practitioner, to comment on the discussion below. It's a good place to start, but isn't an exhaustive list of possibilities.  

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1 BEHAVORIAL

  • Does your loved one seem depressed or unhappy?
     

  • Are they easily agitated?
     

  • Do they lose track of time or get lost in familiar places?

  • Is it hard for them to recognize family or friends?
     

  • Are they more sleepy than usual?
     

  • Have been taking a new medication?

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"I can’t tell you when my Mom showed the first signs of dementia. I can share that her journey was gradual. One day she couldn’t remember dates. Then she couldn’t remember certain people. And then there was the time we spoke and she told me she couldn’t find her way home. Years passed between these episodes, but that last one was a flashing neon light that things weren’t right". 
 

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WEB RESOURCES

Handling an elderly parent's difficult behavior

2 COMMUNICATION

  • Is it difficult for your loved one to express themselves?
     

  • Do you find they have more issues than usual with their memory?
     

  • Are they suddenly confused or having difficulty understanding?

  • Does your loved one become frustrated when trying to communicate?                           

  • Is their ability to reason disappearing?
     

  • Are they having hallucinations?

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WEB RESOURCES

Responding to hallucinations

3 DIET

  • Has there been a change in medication? 
     

  • Are they feeling more fatigued?

  • Has your relative’s appetite abruptly decreased or increased? 
     

  • Has their weight increased or decreased? 

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WEB RESOURCES

Making healthy food choices

4 PHYSICAL

  • Is your relative experiencing sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body?
     

  • Do they have difficulty seeing, or is their vision blurry?

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  • Are they dizzy?

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  • Are there noticeable changes in their hearing?

  • Do they have shortness of breath, decreased stamina, or swelling in their legs?
     

  • Do they have difficulty walking?

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  • Have they fallen?

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Encourage your parent or relative to share things with you, even if they feel those things are “nothing.” Communication is the key to keeping them healthy and safe.

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WEB RESOURCES

Age-related eye issues

Learning about osteoporosis

More tips for assessing older adults

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