So you just saw your parents for the first time in a few months at Thanksgiving dinner, and you may have noticed that they look a little older than you remember them, or perhaps they are a little slower at doing things than you recall.
You may have even seen signs around the house that they need a little bit of extra care, or they may have even reported a fall or other minor accident to you. If you have elderly parents who stay alone, it is quite natural to feel concerned about their safety. No one wants to admit that their parents are getting older, but as they age remember that the time to think about their safety is before a major fall or accident.
Having a medical alarm help to ensure independence rather than restricting their lives. However you should pay attention to any behavioral changes, or any reports of them “just being clumsy.” As I mentioned you want to look for changes in behavior or previous patterns that have changed for no apparent reason, they may be a sign that something is wrong.
An example would be – did they used to take daily walks in the park, but now you find that they have not been out of the house in days? Your mom who used to be a neat freak, now leaves yesterdays dirty dishes pile up in the sink? If there are late payment notifications from creditors but they have money in the bank or unread mail, uncollected newspapers just sitting around. These are the types of things that you can use an opportunity to start a discussion about aging and their health.
Other signs to look for are weight loss, loss of appetite or prolonged feelings of the “blues.” The process of aging is difficult, not only from a physical perspective but also emotionally it is your responsibility to prompt the discussions and attempt to make the best of the changing situations.
Don’t wait for an accident or a fall to start thinking about their safety and independence, consider protecting their health and your piece of mind with a medical alert system.
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