Tell Tale Signs a Senior is Changing and You May Need to Take Action!

We talk a lot about change and how it is inevitable.  When you are working to keep a senior living their best life and in control of their own choices and decisions, changes in status demand a closer look and investigation. 

Any changes that occur require exploration into the cause of that change, the impact on function the change is already having, and the anticipated consequences that may be faced in the immediate or near future.

Changes in Sleeping Patterns: 

When a senior begins sleeping more, less, or at different times than usual, it is a red flag to look more closely at the situation.  Changes in sleeping patterns may be related to pain issues, depression, medication side effects, or increased fatigue.

Isolation:

Isolation may be a sign of decreased cognitive functioning or depression. A senior may isolate themselves by not attending events/activities they usually enjoy, invite friends and family over less frequently, and have less detailed conversations on the phone within their usual circle.  Isolation may also be a sign of newly emerging medical issues or worsening conditions as well as unaddressed pain control issues.

Many people appreciate and in fact, protect their solitude as they age.  It’s important to have honest, regular conversations about where your senior is in their head and in their heart.  This is especially important after any kind of loss, relocation, or other significant change.  (Never underestimate the impact of a loss of a pet.)

Self-isolation can also be a result of poor dental status and increased hearing or vision impairment. There really is a good reason to keep up with annual hearing, vision, and recommended dental examinations.  Upgrading hearing aids, glasses, and dental devices can make a significant difference in physical comfort as well as social comfort.  It’s difficult to participate in a conversation and other engagements if their dentures don’t stay put or they can’t see or hear the people involved!

Weight Loss:

Unplanned or unintentional weight loss can be a sign of poor nutrition, depression, an acute medical condition, or worsening chronic illnesses.  Poorly fitting dentures or mouth and tooth pain can also lead to weight loss.  Weight loss in seniors can lead to skin changes and physical weakness, increased fall risk, and cognitive impairment concerns.  Watch for spoiled food or items that have been in the cupboard or refrigerator for a while.  Senior weight loss may be so slow and insidious that folks who see them frequently may not notice right away.  It’s never a bad idea to ask infrequent visitors if they notice anything different about your loved one - good or bad!

Missed/Mismanaged Medications:

Managing medications can be a complex and frustrating task for seniors even without cognitive impairment.  Frequent dose and medication changes, instructions regarding foods/empty stomach, etc.  So many medications are small, round, and white so they all look the same.  Setting up medications accurately is as important as remembering to take them as prescribed! Provide your senior with assistance in setting up medication boxes and managing refills from individuals who are capable of making detailed decisions.  (Sometimes a spouse isn’t the best choice!)  There are many pharmacies that will deliver disposable medication setups at no additional cost to the patient.

It is necessary to provide the doctor with a complete, up-to-date list of medications and ask if there is anything that can or should be discontinued - at EVERY appointment.  Multiple doctors mean multiple prescribers and it should be assumed that one doctor does not know what another is prescribing unless YOU tell him.  You cannot depend on the pharmacist to catch errors or contraindications.  You should ask them to evaluate your medications for that purpose every time you receive a new prescription and only fill your medications at one pharmacy.

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS COUNT AS MEDICATIONS!

It is essential that you tell your healthcare providers about EVERY medication or supplement you take EVERY time you visit a prescriber.  Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements contraindications and interactions are just as common and can be just as dangerous as any prescription interactions.

Changes in Mobility and Balance:

A red flag for safety can be changes in ambulation and balance.  Don’t dismiss a fall’s importance or consequences.  One fall tends to be the “first fall” for many people.  Try to determine the cause of the fall. Lost balance, trip over something on the floor (or their own feet), lack of concentration or caution?  Often the cause of a fall gives you clues on what steps are needed next. 

Falls, or “near falls” are events that require action in most cases.  Check the environment for fall hazards, environmental adaptation, and assistive equipment needs, medication interactions, newly developed medical issues (particularly infections).  Explore possibilities for dehydration and blood sugar concerns. 

This is the time you may need to ask primary care for physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluations, either outpatient or home health care.  Those evaluations and treatments are usually covered by insurance. 

Takeaway point:

Early assessment and intervention when changes are occurring can make a substantial difference in independence and continuity of care.  The “wait and see” approach can be disastrous for a senior as things can change dramatically in a short period of time.  Setbacks may not always be 100% remediable. Your best chance of an optimal outcome begins by acting quickly!

Visit Senior.One or call 1-888-888-2191 to research options for resources and options for every step of your journey.  Their Care Advisors can provide you with valuable information to help you respond to every situation in order to help you and your senior remain in control of the most important choices of life.