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Signs That Seniors May Need Help

Consider These Options for Help

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it's a perfect time to see if your loved ones have had any changes in their physical or cognitive health.

"Every senior's situation is unique, as are the friends and family support they enjoy and the size, layout, cleanliness and type of home," said Bob Tucker, a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of Northbrook-based Senior Helpers serving the north and northwest suburbs to the Wisconsin border. "Everyone wants to stay safe, healthy and independent in their own home - and to maintain their dignity."

Yet, sometimes that isn't the best answer, or sometimes even possible. When that happens, it's difficult to know where to look for help. For some people, moving into an independent, assisted, memory or nursing home community is the best answer. For others, an Adult Day Care Program may be a viable alternative while they stay living in their home.

"However, for those who would like another alternative... and insist upon staying in their home, a licensed, insured Home Care Agency can be a good option," said Abbie Tucker, senior advocate and client services director, certified senior Advisor (CSA) and a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP).

"If you know what signs to look for, it will help you determine what type of help is needed. Here is a list of some of the things to watch for."

- There have been falls.

- Confusion is occurring regularly.

- Forgetfulness is becoming commonplace.

- Medication is not being taken properly.

- Conversations are being repeated, repeated and repeated.

- There have been multiple trips to the hospital.

- Appointments are being missed.

- The checkbook is not being balanced, or bills are not being paid.

-The home is not being well-maintained.

- There have been changes in personality and habits.

- Your loved one is becoming more and more isolated.

"Be on the look-out for these signs," added Abbie Tucker. "If a major problem or catastrophe does occur, you don't want to feel you should have done something beforehand."

Talk to your loved one's doctor if you are seeing any of these problems, and if you would like to arrange for a free in-home assessment with a senior care professional from Senior Helpers, contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers: 847-564-7500 or email him at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com.

Please don't ignore these signs. Our loved ones are too important to allow a dangerous situation not to be addressed.

* This Senior Helpers office is the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Cares Affiliate Office for all of Chicagoland and has established a free Alzheimer's/Dementia/Parkinson's Care Resource Center for the community.

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