Dealing with Aging Parents

Article submitted by Connie Snow, Community Relations Director for South Davis Community Hospital, Barton Creek Assisted Living, Orchard Cove Alzheimer Community, South Davis Home Health & Hospice & Orchard Cove Orthopedic Rehabilitation. For more information on a full continuum of aging healthcare options visit www.sdch.com.

Dealing with aging parents is a sensitive subject. You never thought the time would come when you would be faced with making decisions for your parents. It has been heartbreaking to recognize that strong, self-sufficient parents are no longer capable for taking care of themselves. You may feel guilty and ashamed that you do not have the sufficient time it takes to care for them yourself.

Many readers can relate. You want the best for your loved one, but you ask yourself "what is best?"

The follow checklist may help you determine when it is time to take action. Answering "Yes" to more than a few questions below, should prompt you to consider seeking assistance in helping you understand the many options that are available to you and your loved one.

Do You Have an Elder Love One Who:

? Yes ? No Calls you several times a day for seemingly unimportant reasons.
? Yes ? No Is afraid of being alone.
? Yes ? No Has poor eating habits or is confused about when or what they have eaten.
? Yes ? No Is confused by phone calls or simple instructions.
? Yes ? No Forgets to take their medications or takes too many.
? Yes ? No Has had recent falls or difficulty ambulating.
? Yes ? No Refuses to go to a doctor but clearly needs medical attention.
? Yes ? No Refuses to take showers and does not change there underclothes.
? Yes ? No Can not take care of bills or finances.
? Yes ? No Seems depressed or wants to stay in bed.
? Yes ? No Will not give up driving but is in danger on the road.
? Yes ? No Refuses help in the home or yard but can not keep up things themselves.
? Yes ? No Acts normal and charming in front of others but is a different person when around you.
? Yes ? No Cannot be reasoned with when discussing their care needs.
? Yes ? No Has pushed you to feelings of resentment and guilt.

Taking action is the first step.