Senior
Assessment
An assessment can lead to
solving problems and allowing a parent to remain independent
longer. It can result in fewer accidents and illnesses, a
longer life, and a higher quality of life. It is not always
easy to recognize when a parent needs help. Learning how to
assess their needs will make it easier to know when and how to
help.
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How Do I Help Them Know if They Need Help?
- Physical Health - Have they been diagnosed with any chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or emphysema? Do they have vision or hearing problems, excessive weight gain or loss, or difficulty walking?
- Mental Health - Have they been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's or dementia? Are they showing signs of confusion, disorientation, or isolation? What about mood swings or forgetfulness? Sadness or loneliness?
- Medication Use - What medications are they currently taking? What is the dosage? How often? Are they taking their medications as directed?
- Daily Living Skills - Are they able to dress, bathe, get up from a chair, use a toilet, climb stairs, use the phone? Do they know how to get help in an emergency? Can they shop, prepare meals, do housework and yard work? Can they safely drive?
- Home and Community Safety - How safe is their neighborhood? Does their home have smoke alarms and can they hear them adequately? Can they avoid telephone and door-to-door fraud? Can they maintain their house?
- Support Systems - Do your parents have frequent visitors or see friends? Do they go to a senior center or get out of the house for other social reasons? Do family members live close by? Do they keep handy the names, addresses, and phone numbers of key friends and family members who they can call in an emergency?
- Appearance and Hygiene - How is their overall appearance? Hair clean? Teeth brushed? Shaved? Do they dress appropriately in clean clothes?
- Finances - Can they live on their current income? Can they meet future needs on their current income? Are there any legal documents such as trusts, living wills, and/or durable power of attorney? Do they pay bills on time and make informed financial decisions?
- Interests and Lifestyles - Do they engage in their favorite hobbies, read books, watch their favorite TV shows, exercise, play a musical instrument, go to church, keep up with their friends? Are they still engaged in activities they have always enjoyed?
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