Is Your Parent Struggling to Live Independently?
If you noticed a change in mom or dad or another loved one during a recent visit from out of town, you are not alone. Experts say when families spend time together after a prolonged separation many adult children realize their parents are not doing as well as they thought they were living on their own. Some of the most obvious signs a parent is having problems caring for him or herself is an unintended loss of weight, change in grooming habits or signs of a fall. The ADLs or Activities of Daily Living are used by experts to evaluate the needs of a person and include personal care such as bathing, dressing and toileting as well as transferring (ability to get in and out of bed or chair), continence and eating. Other important signs a person is no longer doing well on their own and could benefit from some assistance are based on what experts call the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These include things like paying bills, taking care of their home, preparing and cooking m...