Cheryl Mathieu Ph.D., M.S.W.
5911 E. Spring Street, Suite 372
Long Beach, CA 90808

(562) 233-7604
Fax (562) 430-3141
cmathieu@charter.net



Care Manager, Certified

 


How do I know when my aging loved one needs assistance?

Here are some WARNING SIGNS:

PHYSICAL

• Difficulty walking

• Frequently falling or unsteadiness (presence of bruising)

• Poor hygiene or grooming (wearing stained clothes, body odor, infrequent bathing or washing hair, wearing the same clothes day after day)

• Changes in eating habits (snacks only, decreased appetite, eating one meal a day, forgetting to eat, poor food choices, lack of food in the home)

• Incontinence

• Unsafe home environment (unclean, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, home needing repairs, broken or missing smoke detectors, lack of security-leaving doors unlocked, leaving stove on)

• Significant weight loss or gain

 

FINANCIAL

• Unpaid and past due bills (especially home insurance, utilities, home mortgage)

• Unopened mail

• Unable to manage checkbook

• Unable to deal with money properly

• Victimized by scams or financial abuse


COGNITIVE

• Delusions or hallucinations (perception of objects or events that others don't see, holding false beliefs)

• Calling children repeatedly at inappropriate hours of day or night

• Poor or decreased judgment

• Paranoia and forgetfulness

• Wanders off and can't find their way back home

• Leaving stove on, unplugging refrigerator

• Little or no recognition of friends or family members

• Forgetting to take medications, or taking it improperly

• Increasingly forgetful (missed doctor's appointments, family events, forgetting names, word finding difficulties, losing things)?

• Frequent repetition, physical/verbal abuse


EMOTIONAL

• Isolation

• Mood changes (anger, suspicion, paranoia, agitated)

• Depression (crying, sadness, lack of energy, increase or decrease in sleeping and/or appetite, feeling hopeless)

• Lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities (isolating, stopped participating in social, church or volunteer activities)?


CAREGIVERS

• Are you or other caregivers unable due to constraints of physical distance, time, physical ability, or finances to deal with managing the care of your elder?


If you or your loved one answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time for professional assistance. Ultimate Senior Solutions can help. Contact us at 562-233-7604 for a free consultation.

 


Home | About Us | Our Services | Warning Signs | Resources | Testimonials | Caregiver Coaching | Contact

Copyright © 2006 Ultimate Senior Solutions. All Rights Reserved