Watch for signs that aging relatives may need help

Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has some basic tips to help spot warning signs that aging loved ones may need assistance.

Family members should survey the house.  If the house is normally tidy and organized, does it look like it's in good shape?

They should also check the medicine closet to make sure that medications are current and not past the expiration date.

By riding in a car with a parent behind the wheel, family can also note important driving factors.

Talking with friends and neighbors can give insight to significant differences in behavior.

Evidence that personal habits like bathing and shampooing have deteriorated could be red flags that something is wrong.

Easter Seals has opened a Caregiver and Assistive Technology Resource Center in New Castle which features various types of assistive technology for people with disabilities or aging conditions. Visitors to the resource center can see a bath and kitchen area modified for safety and accessibility. Various types of ramps, automatic door-openers and hundreds of devices like a talking microwave, adapted computers, and light-up slippers are also available.

A case manager can help with finding answers to questions about caring for an aging relative. For more information about the Easter Seals Resource Center, contact Nancy Ranalli at 302-221-2033 or resources@esdel.org or click on “Resources” at www.de.easterseals.com.

Easter Seals in-home caregivers can help with a variety of daily activities like bathing and basic hygiene, meal prep, light housekeeping, transportation and arranging medical appointments. For information about Easter Seals In-Home Services call Beth Elswick at 302-221-2060 or go to www.de.easterseals.com/inhome.