Home for the Holidays? Learn to spot the signs that an elderly friend or relative may need help

While you're home for the holidays, take time to look for signs that your elderly parent or relative may need extra help.

Things to look for include:

• Poor grooming (stains on clothes, infrequent bathing)
• Changes in eating habits (one meal a day, snacks vs. a nutritious meal)
• Sudden mood changes (angry, suspicious, paranoid)
• Reluctance to socialize
• Depression (not sleeping, not eating, no energy)
• Poor or decreased judgment (stove burners left on)
• Loss of initiative or lack of interest (stops participating in social, church or volunteer activities)
• Increased forgetfulness (missed doctor's appointments, family events)
• Difficulty walking/unsteady on feet/falling
• Mishandling finances/medications (forgets to take medication, not taking the right amount of medication, bills not paid)
• Unsafe home environment (cluttered pathways, poor lighting, house in need of repairs)

If you recognize any of the above signs, Evercare™ Solutions for Caregivers can help. Our Care Advocates provide expert advice and guide you through the complexity of choices to best manage your loved one's changing medical and non-medical needs.

Evercare™ Solutions for Caregivers helps provide:

• A comprehensive onsite assessment
• A personalized care plan that includes recommendations for short and long-term needs
• Identification of community resources and services, and the payer source (e.g., Medicare) for each service recommended
• Facilitation and coordination of the delivery of services
• Monitoring the ongoing needs of your loved one and adjustment of the care plan as situations and conditions change

Don't wait to get the help you need. Learn more about Evercare™ Solutions for Caregivers today.

Want to learn more about caregiving? Check out our Caregivers section for articles, stories and resources dedicated to caregivers.