Gauging Health of Elderly 
Loved Ones Can Be Hard

By Paul R. Kopenkoskey, The Grand Rapids Press

 December 12, 2006

The toughest decision to make this holiday season may not be if Junior gets a new Play Station 3 but if an elderly parent's mental or physical health is coming unwrapped. 

Objectively gauging diminished physical and mental health of a loved one can be thorny if family members only see one another during the holidays, said Todd Langejans, owner of Comfort Keepers in Ada Township. 

The nonmedical, in-home care franchise and Gerontology Network say evaluating the five senses can determine if loved ones need help. 

For sight issues, ask yourself if personal grooming habits and the home are being maintained. Is the mail being managed? Plants watered? 

"It's important to assess the environment," said Chris Conklin, vice president of professional services for the Grand Rapids-based Gerontology Network. 

"Check the bathroom to see if it looks typical. That may help assess if there are problems with bowel or incontinence. If the bathroom is not clean, it's a gauge." 

This can be tough, said Langejans, because some seniors don't want to let on they have problems for fear of losing their independence. 

Sound and hearing issues also need to be considered. Slurred speech or losing the context of a conversation is a signal of possible dementia, Conklin said. 

Watch for whether loved ones know and call relatives by name. Are they aware of local news, world news? Do they still enjoy outside activities? Do they have, or talk about, friends, future plans or goals? 

Are there unpleasant odors in the house? Is the refrigerator clean and odor-free? Is garbage in a proper receptacle outside the home? Also, look to see if pantries are reasonably stocked, check expiration dates and evaluate freshness of food. 

A simple hug can alert people to abnormal weight loss or fragility, which can be indicators of declining health or lack proper nutrition. 

"If they hurt themselves or there's a bruise and they don't recall how it happened, swelling they don't know is there, it may be a memory issue," said Langejans. 

"If there's a nervousness about a hug, it may indicate they might have fallen and have a bruise they're protecting." 

If concerns arise after asking these questions, Conklin recommends a visit to the family physician for evaluation physically and physiologically. 

An information and referral service is available. "If we're contacted, we can meet personally or in the home and assist and advise of services we have available here and in the community to assist aging parents," Conklin said.