It isn’t easy to watch a loved one’s health decline with age. This is especially true of parents and grandparents who once seemed so strong and active. Nonetheless, if your loved one is aging, it’s your turn to make sure they receive the care they need. Here are five simple questions you can ask to help you better understand how they are really doing.
Question #1: When was the last time you saw your doctor?
Sometimes simply asking, ‘How is your health?’ will get a simple answer like, ‘fine.’ Asking about their last visit to a doctor will let you know if they need a checkup, or it may open the door to ask further questions about what their doctor said.
Question #2: Do you need any help fixing something or cleaning something?
Depending on how they answer this question, you can get a better idea of what their limitations are. Are they having trouble dusting their tall furniture? Has vacuuming become an exhausting chore? Are they struggling to do basic maintenance at their home? This question may help you identify if their living situation is still working for them.
Question #3: How often do you see your friends or other family members?
It isn’t healthy, physically or emotionally, for anyone to spend most of their time alone. If your loved one has trouble driving or getting out of the house because of health or vision problems, they can easily end up spending more and more time alone. For their health and general well-being, make sure they are able to maintain strong connections to friends and family.
Question #4: How is it going with your favorite hobby or activity?
This question applies more to situations when you suspect memory problems. If your loved one is beginning to lose interest in their once cherished hobby, or if there is a marked decline in their ability to do something they once did very well, this could be an early sign of memory-related health problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Question #5: If your health were to decline, how would you like to be cared for?
It is best to pose this question to a loved one while they are still in good health, but it is always helpful. You can also work with them to establish a plan for care in case they become unable to care for themselves.
If you think your loved one may already need additional assistance, more community, or specialized care, check out the options available for senior living communities in DeForest. Senior housing in DeForest includes options for independent living, DeForest assisted living facilities, and memory care in DeForest.
Assisted living facilities in DeForest are specially designed to help your loved one live independently but also receive extra assistance with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and keeping up with their health care. They even have nurses available 24 hours a day.
If you are interested in finding out more, contact the Legacy of Deforest today! Our friendly staff is happy to help answer your questions about our assisted living community in DeForest. We can also help you evaluate your specific situation. We have excellent options for both memory care in DeForest and DeForest assisted living facilities.
Park Vista Retirement Living – The Legacy of DeForest
6639 Pederson St. Deforest, WI 53532