Family ... Relationships
Secrets the Aging Senior in Your Life May Be Keeping From You
by Diane Carbo, The Caring Advocate
The aging senior in your life may be keeping secrets from you. They may not intentionally be lying to you, but they may be withholding information that may be affecting their health, safety or over all well-being. As we age many find it embarrassing or even demeaning when they have to ask to ask for help. Many go into denial that they even require assistance with their care. In order to maintain their independence, they cover up bruises, accidents, unpaid bills, or financial problems. Here is a list of "secrets" an aging senior family member may be hiding from you.
- Falls: The fear that they may end up in a wheelchair or walker and not be able to remain in their home is a strong reason to hide falls that do not cause any broken bones. Independence and remaining at home is a major concern to aging senior.
- Pain: Many aging seniors will try and hide increases in their pain or new pain they are experiencing. Some seniors do it not to worry the family care giver; others do it because they do not want to take medications. A family care giver must be aware of signs of increased pain, so that proper treatment may be introduced.
- Financial difficulties: This is serious and can be dangerous when a senior starts to cut back on food or their medications. As a family care giver, you can seek financial assistance from government or community resources on behalf of your parent
- Frivolous spending: Sometimes aging seniors get into the habit of making unnecessary purchases in TV or on the internet or from catalogs. The aging senior does not share their purchases with the family care giver for fear that their financial independence will be restricted or even taken away. As caregiver it is important to be observant of new merchandise. If you suspect unwise purchases are being made, check credit card statements and checkbooks.
- Auto accidents or driving infractions: Many aging seniors in an accident or receive a driving violation, they may withhold that information, for fear that they will loose their license. Driving is independence to an aging senior
- Alcohol or drug abuse: Heavy drinking, using illegal drugs, or abusing prescription medications is extremely dangerous, as alcohol or drug can conflict with other medications causing an adverse reaction. The family care giver should be aware of changes in mood or personality, empty liquors or wine bottles, or frequent trips to the pharmacy. If you suspect abuse, address the issues with your parent in a non-confrontational way. Or, talk to their doctor for advice.
- Gambling: Can lead to financial trouble and easily spiral out of control.
- Dizziness: Low blood pressure or a reaction to a medication can be potentially dangerous. An aging senior may not want to worry the family care giver, but a fall could result in an unnecessary emergency admission to the hospital.