Family visits around the
holidays are opportunities for adult children to evaluate how their senior
relatives are functioning living on their own, according to Jennifer Prell
president of the free senior housing referral
network, Elderwerks (www.elderwerks.com).
“In some cases, many
months, even an entire year may have gone by since the last visit. So changes
to the older adults' physical and mental status may be more obvious to visitors
than to those who see them on a regular basis,” she said.
Specifically, Prell
explained, the following situations may be cause for concern:
* Does the senior have a
health condition that requires frequent monitoring? Are they showing signs of
short-term memory loss or confusion?
* Is there a change in
the older adult's appearance or personal hygiene? Has their home started to
look cluttered or dirty? Is it difficult for them to prepare their own meals or
do their own grocery shopping?
* Are their credit cards
being misused? Are bills being paid late, or not at all? Is unopened mail
piling up?
* Has the individual's
driving ability deteriorated? Are they making unnecessary or increased calls to
911? Do they express concern about being home alone?
“Don't wait until a
crisis occurs with a loved one to look for senior housing alternatives,” urged
Prell. “There are more options, and it's easier to make the transition if you
can take your time and plan ahead.”
February is typically
the busiest month for Elderwerks. Jennifer has served clients
throughout Illinois and nationwide since 2003. “Families gather for
holidays at year-end, and notice that Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa, or
someone they are close to aren't doing as well as they had the previous
year. By February, they're working with us to transition to some sort of senior
housing or to get home care,” she said.
Several family members
may be involved in the important decision of selecting the right senior housing
property or caregiver. For this reason, Elderwerks provides clients with a free
conference call service and trained coordinator to handle interviews and other
communication among several parties, who frequently are located in different
regions of the country.
It is estimated that
more than 60 percent of individuals age 80 or older need some level of
assistance. “It's not so much a matter of if they'll need help, it's a matter
of when,” said Prell. “While asking for help may not be easy for the older
adult, many individuals welcome it, as it can help them stay healthier longer
and improve their quality of life.”
In addition to housing
assistance (including retirement communities, independent living, assisted
living, Alzheimer's care, supportive living, skilled nursing, and in-home
care) Elderwerks also helps seniors and their families find experienced
SRES Realtors, attorneys, financial advisors and Senior Move Managers.
Company experts can also help clients identify and tap into personal and
governmental financial resources to get the care they need, once they move.