At Alden Ponite, we’re here to help. We often consult with families trying to understand “when home is no longer enough” for their loved one, and we strive to make finding the right answer as easy as possible. Is your loved one showing some of these signs in the following areas?
Personal Hygiene
Decreased attention to personal care
Not bathing regularly
Wearing the same clothes day after day
Difficulty getting in and out of the shower or tub
Difficulty getting on and off the toilet
Household
Falling behind on bills
Old mail piling up
Calls from creditors
Neglecting housework, laundry and home repairs
Confining his or herself to only a few rooms in the house
Hoarding
Nutrition & Exercise
Skipping regular meals
Lack of food in the house
Not exercising
Memory Loss
Diminished communication skills
Repeating questions or statements
Frequently misplacing items
Trusting strangers or falling for scams
Wandering away from home
Medication Concerns
Forgetting to take medications
Running out of medications or not properly ordering medications
Holding on to expired medications
Lack Of Socialization
Excessive moodiness, crying or anxiety
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Losing touch with friends or becoming isolated
A loss of interest in regular activities
Loss of mobility
Fear
Becoming increasingly paranoid and/or fearful of others
Afraid to be alone, especially at night
Becoming increasingly dependent on family members
Believing that the neighborhood is not as safe as it used to be
The Schonberg Care Assessment
We often consult with families trying to determine when home is no longer enough for mom or dad. Each situation is different, but we generally encourage families to assess the following areas:
Current Living Environment - Is it safe for your loved one to navigate independently?
Normal Ambulation - Is he / she having difficulty walking, moving around, or with falling?
Daily Living Habits - Is he / she having difficulty with routine needs such as dressing, grooming, bathing or taking medications?
Caregiver's Capacity - Is the constant care required of an elderly parent beyond the primary caregiver's physical capabilities? Has the caregiver become overwhelmed in their new role?
Has the caregiver become impatient or irritable in their new role?
Social Engagement - Would ongoing activity and programming and increased social interaction and stimulation improve your loved one’s happiness and sense of well-being?
Quality of Life - Would placement outside the home result in more enjoyable visits and outings between your loved one and primary family caregiver(s)?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, we can help. We invite you to contact us to discuss these issues with your loved one and to learn more about our community and what we are able to offer. We are happy to provide further insight and guidance regarding your loved one’s unique situation and needs.
Alzheimer's Association
National: www.alz.org
Mississippi: www.alz.org/ms
Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership
National Association Of Social Workers
National: www.socialworkers.org
Mississippi: www.naswmschapter.org
Mississippi Department Of Mental Health
Schonberg Care