Wilson: Holidays are a time to check on well-being of seniors in your life

With the holidays just around the corner, many families are gathering, or visiting relatives, creating the perfect opportunity to check on the well-being of aging seniors in your life.

Some Arizonans may only be able to visit aging loved ones for the holidays, which means that some signs that a loved one may need in-home care may likely go unnoticed the rest of the year.

As CEO of Home Assist Health, one of the largest Arizona nonprofits serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, we find that seniors often don’t want to ask for help because they are afraid of being put in a long-term care home or being moved from where they are most comfortable.

The good news, many families don’t realize seniors can stay in their own home, “aging in place” and have help come to them.

10 signs your senior relative may need in-home care

If you visit senior family members this holiday season and notice the following, it may be time to have a conversation about home care:

1.. Not keeping up with house cleaning/yard work

2. Missing appointments or meetings/obligations

3. Poor personal hygiene or bladder control issues

4. Difficulty with mobility or standing

5. Car accident or difficulty driving

6. Depression, seclusion or changes in mood

7. Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

8. Multiple chronic illnesses they are trying to manage like diabetes or high blood pressure

9. Gained or lost a significant amount of weight; trouble chewing, swallowing or taking medication

10 Recent fall

If you’re concerned, consider taking the next step by contacting organizations like ours that provide free phone interviews and in-home evaluations.

Determine if your loved one has insurance for home care, which may come from a Medicaid long-term care benefit, select Medicare Advantage plans or a private long-term care insurance plan.

For those without home care benefits from insurance, there are other payment methods for access care at home.

Editor’s note: Sara Wilson is CEO of Home Assist Health, a Phoenix-based non-profit. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.