{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F2e041ef6-c849-48fe-b58d-26bb1f0c8d67","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"021. 7 Red Flags to look for During Holiday Visits with Senior Family Members","description":"It\u2019s common for people to go home for the holidays, reconnect with parents or older relatives, and notice some worrying changes in their lifestyle or behavior. Maybe your mother is falling more often - or maybe she\u2019s forgetting important information. Some of your concerns may have an easy fix (like a walker), while others need a larger conversation (rethinking their living situation).Lori shares 7 clues to look for when you\u2019re home visiting your family so you\u2019re aware of growing issues in their old age that require investigation. Once you\u2019ve identified these red flags, there are helpful approaches as you have conversations with them to learn more and form a plan. Through it all, it\u2019s important to be compassionate and let your loved ones know your involvement is for their safety and independence.Takeaways from this episode:-\u00a0Your loved ones may not be open about their circumstances because they don\u2019t want to worry you, don\u2019t want to be a burden, fear the loss of independence, or are embarrassed.-\u00a0Pay attention to them physically: If they appear to have had rapid weight loss, their personal hygiene has worsened, they\u2019re bruised, or their walk / gait has changed.-Examine their surroundings: Were they \u201cclean freaks\u201d in the past and now they\u2019re suddenly messy? Is their fridge filled with spoiled food? Is their car battered and beat up?-Changes in behavior may be a red flag of deeper issues (but also consider the role of the current COVID-19 situation when gauging this, as many seniors are lonely and it\u2019s taking a toll).-\u00a0Establish that you\u2019re on your loved one\u2019s side and that you\u2019ll work through any problems together. Approach Is everything - don\u2019t judge, scold, or preach!-It may help to have difficult discussions with another family member or trusted advisor present, like a doctor or pastor.- Open communication so that you\u2019re able to create a to-do list, knowing important factors like your loved one\u2019s health conditions, debts, accounts, health insurance policies, and so on.Topics from this episode:- Senior living / assisted living-\u00a0Starting a conversation about memory care-\u00a0Clues your parents need care-\u00a0Senior nutrition-\u00a0Helping seniors-\u00a0Memory loss-\u00a0Conversations about loss of independence-\u00a0Keeping seniors safe and independent-\u00a0Difficult discussions with seniors-\u00a0When seniors should stop driving-\u00a0\u00a0Medical discussions with older parents020. A Conversation About Fall Prevention with Expert Jacque Archerhttps://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archerTo suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/1bfacc2a-972c-48e6-8bca-6af5306c63dc/23108943afb058f2fcf9e7824ffc27b8-square-big.jpg"}