Is it Time Yet?

Seniors want to live independently as long as possible. The following is a list of things to consider:

Activities of Daily Living
- Loss of mobility
- Frequent falls
- Weight loss or gain
- Inability to maintain personal hygiene
- Loss of usual pride in appearance
- Change in sleep patterns
- Inability to maintain home/yard
- Inability to work in kitchen safely
- Inability to process laundry
- Inability to deal with mail
- Inability to do errands outside the home
- Any auto accidents?
Memory Problems
- Has short term or long term memory worsened?
- If changes have been noted, has it been evaluated by the primary MD?
- Are they living in the past?
- Do you get vague and tangential answers to direct questions?
- Are they unable to follow directions?
Medications
- Are they taking their medicine as ordered?
- Do they need help with their medicine?
- Is a mediset required and can they set it up?
- Do they know why they are taking each medication? Do you?
- Do they know the usual side-effects to the medicine? Do you?
Psych/Social Issues
- Lack of interest in usual activities
- Are the drapes drawn all the time?
- Loss of contact with family and friends, including phone contact
- Are the neighbors concerned?
- Is the family pet doing well?
- Has control changed of any pre-existing mental health issue?
Support Structures
- Does a family member have a Durable Power of Attorney?
- Are there Advanced Healthcare Directives?
- Is there normal family interaction?
- Is there normal interaction with friends?
- Has the family discussed a plan for when help becomes necessary?

Activities of Daily Living