Subject: South Florida Sun-Sentinel Online Placement
From: "Merilee Kern" <[email-masked]>
To: "'Carolyn Brent'" <[email-masked]>, "Raoul Davis" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>, "Merilee Kern" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 13:40:01 -0800

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/consumerblog/2011/11/08/five-tell-tale-signs-your-parents-should-not-live-alone/

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Five tell-tale signs your parents should not live alone 
by: Daniel Vasquez November 8th, 2011 | 9:29 AM 

One of the hardest truths to face in life may be the decision that your elder parents should no longer live alone.

It’s a decision often faced by residents in Florida, where more than three million senior citizens call home.

Here are five tell-tale signs an elder parent or relative may not be able to live alone, with the help of aging expert and author Carolyn A. Brent:

The house always looks messy: Not a good sign, especially for a parent who by nature likes to be organized and clean. Dirty dishes left in the sink for days or weeks, debris across the house and  yard, garbage can left unattended could indicate a problem.

Bills are not paid: Piled up collection notices, constant calls from creditors and neglected bank accounts could reveal a person is losing control of finances.

Rapid loss of weight: Not eating could be a sign that a parent is not eating properly or at all.

Bad hygiene: Skipping baths, teeth brushing or other forms of personal cleanliness could mean a parent is too ill or weak to keep up such daily routines.

Fashion faux pas: Poor person style aside, bad clothing choices could be another red flag. Wearing winter clothes during hot Florida summers, wearing pajamas or nightgowns during the day or choosing to wear slippers to the bank or grocery store could be another indicator a parent is in trouble.

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Comments (3 Comments)
  1..  Unusual Truth says: 
  November 8, 2011 at 11:47 am
  What about #6? They call up an escort service for a delivery and when the hooker gets there, they are confused as to what to do.

  Reply 
  2..  CeeCee says: 
  November 8, 2011 at 12:31 pm
  Good points all. 

  Also, any adult child who’s conscious enough to watch for these signs obviously loves, cares for and KNOWS their parent(s). So trust your instincts if something tells you there’s a problem, even if there are no overt signs.

  My kids and I just moved in with my mom and although it was more to help me than her, I know she appreciates the company, having someone to cook for, fuss at and send to the store, LoL!

  When it’s all said and done, family’s all we’ve got and there would be no family if not for mom and/or dad.

  Reply 
  3..  Micah Price, PsyD says: 
  November 8, 2011 at 1:57 pm
  Great indicators… This decision can be overwhelming, so another important post should be on what should one do when children are concerned about their parent living alone. 

  A few suggestions:

  1. Talk with your parent to find out what is going on. It could be something such as depression (which is quite treatable) or even a medication issue, especially relating to blood pressure – thus #2. 

  2. Out of respect ask for your parents’ permission, then speak with their physician. Provide specifics of the particular behaviors and concerns.

  3. Talk with a psychologist about the problem(s) and get support or possibly a professional evaluation for your parent. This does not have to involve having them declared incompetent. Psychologists can provide many strategies that can improve a parent’s (and your) quality of life and most importantly help in their maintaining as much independence and freedom for as long as possible.

  Micah Price, Psy.D.
  Licensed Psychologist
  The Center for Personal Growth