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This is a question I am often
asked, and fortunately, there are
concrete signs to guide those
concerned about a senior. Once
these are noted, making prepa-
rations for the next stage is
imperative, I believe, since change
can occur very quickly. As you
know from many of my writings,
our family investigated and did
“behind the scenes” reconnais-
sance two years before our mom
was directed by her physician to
move to an assisted living facility
as soon as possible. This made
our transition that much less
stressful, so please look ahead if
you are caring for or have an
aging parent.
The concrete signs that assis-
tance is necessary may include
mom or dad rarely changing out
of their bedclothes, or even
wear the same street clothes
daily; not showering or bathing
regularly; not preparing meals
for themselves; hoarding papers
or other items; driving erratically
or having “minor accidents”
while driving or walking; forget-
ting to take medications; leaving
pots on stove cooking. Needless
to say, as these become more
and more prevalent, those we
love are in increasing danger.
Families need to meet and
openly discuss what is best for
their parent/s. As difficult as it is,
imagine how much worse we
would feel if we failed to meet
this responsibility. My mother
always told me that “one moth-
er can take care of 5 children,
but 5 children cannot take care
of one mother!” Although that
isn’t quite true, I understand the
difficulty each generation has
caring for the generation above,
since life is so complex and
demanding!
Assisted living offers help with
daily personal tasks, immediate
health care, medication adminis-
tration, meals and snacks, as
well as therapies as determined
necessary. Additionally, and
again, something I discuss regu-
larly, living together provides
camaraderie, stimulation and
personal enjoyment for those
we so dearly love.
Please contact me if I can be of
“assistance” to you as you move
or move your parent to a senior
placement. Carol Cozewith and I
are
SENIOR ASSISTANTS,
and
can be reached at
908-883-0469
o
r
ellynmantell@aol.com.
WHEN DOES MY PARENT NEED ASSISTED LIVING?
By: Ellyn Mantell
PAGE 64
Spotlight on
“SeniorS”
www.theconnectionsnj.com