OMHC Public Service Announcement

Making the decision to move a family member into assisted living care can be an emotionally draining task. Above all else, you want your loved one to be safe and well, especially now with winter fast approaching. Although every situation is different, the list below may give you some indications that it's time to start the dialogue about transitioning to assisted living care.

n Recent accidents or close calls such as recurring falls; unexplained bruises and/or skin tears, struggle to manage steps/stairs

n Inability to properly manage medications

n Unusual or unwarranted aggression or no longer showing much emotion of any kind

n Concerns about sleep; not sleeping at night or sleeping all day

n Recent weight loss or gain; changes in eating habits, skipping meals or forgetting they ate and eating again; stale or expired foods in the house, fear of safety using appliances such as the stove

n Changes in appearance or strange body odors; neglecting personal care, disheveled and unkempt or signs of not bathing, wearing the same clothes/dirty clothes

n Changes in personality; withdrawing from social activities they once enjoyed; may go days without leaving their home

n Driving issues; signs of dangerous driving such as slowed reaction time or mixing up the gas and brake pedals

n Letting things go around the house; Lots of clutter, piles of clothes, dirty dishes, overflowing trash, neglecting pets

n Medical/health concerns or issues; your loved one's primary doctor may share your concerns about safety at home and can help answer some of your questions

n No longer able to take care of things financially; past due bills, overdrawn accounts

n Overall cognitive decline; lack of sound judgment, difficulty following directions, increased confusion requiring lots of reminders

Remember that assisted living is meant to fill the gap between full independence and skilled nursing. Evaluate your options. Ask questions. Don't wait too long. Assisted living can help maintain your loved one's independence longer, not take it away.

Correction: Last week’s article about osteoporosis mentioned the clinic was giving Bone Mineral Density Tests beginning last week. That test will be available in January.