Families Urged to Keep Alert for Signs Seniors Need Help

I know the Senior Care industry is experiencing high growth, and I thought this was a very timely article on 10 Tips to Watch For.

Pride, Privacy Make Help Difficult; Here are 10 Tips to Watch For.

Holly Springs, NC,--(PR.com)-- Watching your once active parents or other relative decline into someone who needs constant care is heartbreaking and overwhelming.

But with 36 million seniors living in the U.S. and the population projected to double, caring for an elderly loved one is a reality most people will face. That's why Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in home senior care, advises learning the signs your senior relative needs assistance.

"It's much better to arrange for help for an elderly family member while they can still be part of the process rather than during a crisis because it gives everyone time to make thoughtful decisions," says Peter Ross, CEO and Co-Founder of Senior Helpers, the nation's fastest growing franchisor of in-home senior care. "Seniors often believe getting help means being moved out of their house and that's where the resistance comes in. But many times in home care is a better option."

Senior Helpers' elderly care experts remind people to respect a senior family member's pride and dignity when discussing the need for assistance. Approach the topic with respect and understanding and express concern for the family members' safety. The warning signs could be indications of many issues. If there is a concern it's important to contact a doctor.

10 Warning Signs A Senior Relative Needs Assistance.

• The house is cold, the telephone is cut off.
• Losing track in a conversation, forgetting the names of children, grandchildren, the day of the week, etc.
• The death of a spouse.
• The refrigerator and cupboards are half empty even though you know the relative can still get out.
• Personal hygiene is poor.
• Constantly making excuses when asked to go somewhere or do something, or wanting to be alone.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Never cleaning or delaying home repairs.
• Failure to take prescribed medications.
• Behavior changes.

"The best way to keep track of a senior family members situation is to keep in touch with them and this is one time where being nosy is justified," says Ross. "Visit or call often and use one of the warning signs as a way to approach the topic if needed." Franchising.com  April 10, 2009

For more information on Senior Care Franchises, please submit your request for information here.