Signs that Your Loved One May Need Help at Home AVERA HEALTH
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ndependence is a natural trait for us – just ask any toddler’s mom. As we age, we never lose that desire to be free from constraints. For adults with aging parents or grandparents, it’s not always easy to know not only how to help – but when. “Children of elderly parents want to help, and know their mom or dad needs it. But they also know their parents don’t want to go anywhere. They want to remain at home,” said Avera@Home Patient Care Coordinator Kala Cuka, BSN, RN.
Look for Small Signs Signs that an older loved one needs help may be subtle. “That’s a tremendous amount of what we do – explain and inform families about tools, services and equipment that might allow their
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING
older loved one to have a better quality of life,” Cuka said. “We want to help find those solutions that improve that quality all while they stay where they are most comfortable – at home.” Cuka offered these insights on signs that may indicate an older loved one need help: • Medications and equipment: If you notice their pillbox or other medication containers are put away or seem untouched – that’s a warning sign. “It can indicate they have forgotten or need a little help keeping those scheduled medication times squared away,” Cuka said. “When you have a diabetic loved one who stops using a glucose meter, it could be a sign.”
