Will You be Visiting Aging Family Members
During the Next Few Weeks?
 
In-Person or Virtually?

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or other occasion, you probably haven’t seen them in almost a year, particularly with the pandemic.
 
You will want to look for changes, subtle or drastic, such as:

• Mom’s recipes don’t taste the same, like something was left out or the wrong amount
• Dad doesn’t engage in conversation as before
• Grandma repeats questions...frequently
• The once tidy house has dust and clutter
• The litter boxes aren’t scooped or the dog hasn’t been bathed
• The barely driven car has new dents or is in disrepair

 
These signs are cause for concern. However, this is not the time for you to “wait and see”...until there is a crisis or accident. This is your cue to be proactive and perhaps have a family conversation. Be prepared because, if you think it’s getting close to “that time”, it most assuredly is.
 
Believe me, I empathize with the tendency to hesitate. I’ve been in your position. It’s not easy, but do you think it’s going to get easier? With good preparation and guidance now, helping your family member living with dementia will be more manageable going forward.
 
Please enjoy your visit too but here are some tips: