When Should I Get Involved?

Article submitted by Erin Claypool, owner of the North Allegheny/Butler/Beaver Home Helpers Office.
For more information, she can be reached at 724-776-4478.

Regardless of the illness, injury or incapacity, an overwhelming majority of people simply don't know when to take a more active role in a loved one's life. Chances are that your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily and it might be time to explore ways to help in a 'proactive' fashion rather than waiting to react.

The following list of 10 Considerations was developed to help you identify potential areas of concern. If you have a concern with two or more issues, it may be time to take a more active role in a loved one's life and to seek professional advice.

10 Caregiving Considerations

1. Medical Condition – Has your loved one been diagnosed with a disease, illness or other medical condition that could impact their daily living activities now or in the future?
2. Driving – If your loved one drives, is there reason to believe they pose an above average risk for being involved in an accident? How about their reflexes or ability to respond in unexpected situations?
3. Food/Nutrition – Is your loved one eating well balanced meals? Is their weight stable? Do they have a reasonable variety of food in the refrigerator (with future expiration dates)?
4. Hygiene – How does your loved one look and smell - including their breath? Does it appear that they are bathing regularly? How are their overall appearance, grooming and ability to match clothing compared to prior years? Are the linens and towels fresh?
5. Behavior – Does your loved one seem anxious, irritable or depressed? Does being away from home make them uncomfortable? Does your loved one remember names, places and current events?
6. Daily Tasks – Are basic tasks overly challenging, frustrating or time consuming for your loved one? (Example: getting ready to go out, preparing a meal or shopping.)
7. Medication – Can your loved one manage their medications properly including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions getting refilled in a timely fashion?
8. Finances – Does it appear that your loved one is capable of making sound financial decisions? Are they able to take care of their personal finances?
9. Mail – Is the mail stacking up? Do you see any past due or delinquency notices? Does your loved one appear to be a target for solicitation offers?
10. Safety – Is your loved one careful about turning off appliances (example: stove, coffee pot)? Do they ever carelessly leave candles or cigarettes burning? Are sharp objects properly put away? Do they keep the doors and windows locked - and are they able to locate the keys?

After reviewing these considerations, if you have a concern with even one area, we suggest you and your family acknowledge this and start to learn about the issues and options available. Often there are simple things you can do to provide assistance. Don't wait until a medical diagnosis or a crisis situation occurs before you begin to give considerations to the issues and challenges a loved one may face over time.